Psychological Flexibility, Community Resilience, and Distress in Parents of Children With Autism and Typical Development During Wartime

PURPOSE: Parents face heightened stress during emergencies and wartime, with those raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encountering especially intensified challenges. Psychological and social resources such as psychological flexibility and community resilience (CR) may buffer against distress, yet little is known about their role under extreme conditions. This study examined differences in psychological flexibility, CR, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) between parents of children with ASD and parents of typically developing (TD) children during the Israel-Gaza "Swords of Iron" War. METHODS: A total of 166 Israeli parents participated, including 80 of children with ASD and 86 of TD children, recruited online through purposive sampling. RESULTS: Results indicated that parents of children with ASD reported lower psychological flexibility and CR compared to TD parents, but groups did not differ significantly in overall distress. Moderation analysis showed that group status moderated the link between CR and distress, with CR more strongly associated with lower distress among parents of children with ASD. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of interventions and policies that foster psychological flexibility and strengthen CR for all families, while prioritizing tailored support for parents of children with ASD who demonstrate particular vulnerability during crises.