The Share of Internalized Stigma and Autism Quotient in Predicting the Mental Health of Mothers with Autism Children in Iran

Caring of the child with autism is very demanding and produce a huge stress for parents.Purpose:The purpose of this study was investigating the roles of internalized stigma and autism quotient in predicting the mental health of mothers of children with autism.Method:93 of mothers were selected through random selection from the educational and rehabitational special centers for children with autism in Isfahan and Shahrekord and they filled out the GHQ questionnaire, affiliate stigma questionnaire, and Gilliam Autism Rating Scale through interview. The data was analyzed through multiple regression analysis. Results: The data analysis revealed that internalized stigma predict 25 percent of variation in mental health and autism quotient had no significant relationship with mental health.Conclusion:It is suggested using of educational interventions basis on empowerment against stigma for heightening the level of mental health in mothers of children with autism in Iran.