Summary: A new study finds that mothers’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—including abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction—may affect children diagnosed with ADHD or autism. Mothers who faced early trauma were more likely to have children who reported similar experiences and to exhibit traits of neurodevelopmental conditions themselves.
No such link was found for fathers, possibly due to differing caregiving roles or underrepresentation in the study. The researchers call for more holistic assessments that consider family history when supporting children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Key Facts:
- Maternal Impact: Mothers with difficult childhoods are more likely to have children with ADHD or autism who report similar early-life adversity.
- No Paternal Link: Fathers’ childhood experiences did not show the same association, possibly due to differing roles or sample size.
- Supportive Care Needed: Screening parents for ACEs may improve understanding of a child’s challenges and inform more comprehensive support strategies.
Source: University of Gothenburg
Difficult childhood experiences of mothers, rather than fathers, appear to have a negative impact on children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
This has been shown in a study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. The researchers call for a broader approach and more parental support.
The study examines the association between parents’ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism. These ACEs include abuse, neglect, and familial dysfunction, which can lead to long-term trauma.
The results have been published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry.
Mother of the child
The study included 86 mothers and 37 fathers, along with 48 children diagnosed with ADHD, autism, or both, recruited from two psychiatric clinics in Sweden. Mothers who experienced difficult circumstances in childhood were more likely to have children who reported similar experiences.
Moreover, these mothers had an increased risk of having traits of ADHD and autism themselves.
“If a mother has grown up in an unsafe environment, this can affect the way she manages stress, provides security, and builds intimate relationships with her child.
“This, in turn, can make it more difficult for the child to regulate their emotions and deal with everyday challenges, especially if the child has a neurodevelopmental disorder,” says Maria Davidsson, doctoral student at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg affiliated with the university’s Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre.
For fathers, on the other hand, no such association was seen.
“While we can’t say why this link is only seen with mothers, perhaps it could be due to the mother more often having an intimate caring relationship with her children. It could also be that the fathers’ childhood experiences affect the children in other ways without any direct link to their mental health,” says Maria Davidsson.
Another possible reason why the same association was not seen with the children’s fathers could be that fewer fathers participated in the study.
Consider the bigger picture
The researchers say it is important to consider the bigger picture when assessing children with ADHD and autism. Looking into the parents’ childhood experiences, such as via ACE screening, can help provide a better understanding of how early experiences impact child development and the family’s need for support.
“Neurodevelopmental problems rarely occur alone. Instead, they’re often linked to other factors, making it important to consider the entire context in assessments and interventions alike,” says Maria Davidsson.
About this ASD, ADHD, and childhood trauma research news
Author: Elin Lindström
Source: University of Gothenburg
Contact: Elin Lindström – University of Gothenburg
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: Open access.
“Adverse childhood experiences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents” by Maria Davidsson et al. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents
Introduction
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events associated with negative health outcomes. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are at increased risk of ACEs, however, research on ACEs in children with NDD and their parents, and its possible relation to child problems, is limited.
We aimed to explore the association between ACEs in parents and children; if there is an association between parental ACEs and NDD traits, and if ACEs in parents or children are associated with the child’s emotional behavioral problems.
Methods
The study included 86 mothers, 37 fathers, and 48 children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), recruited from two child psychiatric clinics in Sweden. Parents provided demographic information and reported their own ACEs, NDD traits, and their children’s emotional and behavioral problems. Children responded to measure of ACEs.
Results
Maternal ACEs were significantly correlated with child ACEs (r = 0.382, p = 0.034), as well as with maternal ADHD traits (r = 0.451, p < 0.001) and ASD traits (r = 0.451, p < 0.001). Child ACEs also correlated with child emotional problems (r = 0.304, p = 0.038). Regression analysis revealed a relationship between maternal ACEs and child emotional and behavioral problems (β = 0.511, p = 0.036). None of these associations were found in fathers.
Conclusion
This study highlights the need for ACE screenings in evaluations of children with ADHD/ASD and suggests clinicians to consider maternal trauma and maternal NDD traits. Future research should explore paternal involvement.