Adverse childhood experiences in children with neurodevelopmental disorders and their parents

Abstract

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.

Keywords: ADHD; Adverse childhood experiences; autism; neurodevelopmental disorders; parental NDD traits.