Couples assessed relationship quality dimensions, revealing no significant differences between those with autistic and nonautistic children, suggesting implications for therapy.
= 109). Couples were recruited from across the United States and fathers and mothers individually reported on their relationship quality (i.e., couple conflict, communication style, relationship satisfaction, power dynamics, intimacy, and dyadic coping) and participated in a virtually observed conflict interaction. Results indicated that parents of autistic and nonautistic children were not significantly different on any measure of relationship quality. Overall, mothers reported lower relationship satisfaction compared to fathers. The results of the study highlight the importance of focusing on individual differences within parents rather than differences between parents of autistic and nonautistic children. A notable strength of the study was a diverse sample in the United States. Implications for couples therapy and relationship education are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
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Sullivan et al. (2026) studied this question.
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