Raising a child is a journey filled with love, challenges, and growth. But when a child has a disability, that journey often comes with additional emotional, physical, and financial demands—many of which fall disproportionately on mothers.
As a mother and advocate, I’m living this reality every single day. The past few days have been especially tough—filled with hospital visits, specialist appointments, and navigating behavioral health crises.
Some days, it feels like it will never end. And I know I’m not alone. So many mothers silently carry this weight, all while advocating fiercely for their children.
While every family’s story is unique, research shows that mothers of children with disabilities face significantly higher risks to their health and well-being. Here’s what the data tells us—and why this matters.
The Emotional Weight: Mental Health Risks
Studies consistently show that mothers of children with disabilities experience higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression than mothers of typically developing children.
A 2021 study in Maternal and Child Health Journal found that mothers of children with autism are nearly twice as likely to experience symptoms of clinical depression.
According to the CDC, up to 40% of mothers caring for children with developmental disabilities report high levels of stress, compared to about 10–15% of the general parent population.
Sleep disruption is common: Over 75% of mothers raising children with autism report chronic sleep problems, contributing to emotional burnout and decreased immune function.
A 2021 study in Maternal and Child Health Journal found that mothers of children with autism are nearly twice as likely to experience symptoms of clinical depression.
According to the CDC, up to 40% of mothers caring for children with developmental disabilities report high levels of stress, compared to about 10–15% of the general parent population.
Sleep disruption is common: Over 75% of mothers raising children with autism report chronic sleep problems, contributing to emotional burnout and decreased immune function.
Physical Health Takes a Back Seat
The chronic stress of caregiving doesn’t just affect mental health—it impacts the body too.
A 2019 NIH study showed that maternal caregivers of children with disabilities were twice as likely to develop chronic health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
Many mothers report skipping their own medical appointments, citing time constraints, lack of respite care, and feeling guilty for prioritizing themselves.
Caregiver burnout has been linked to higher levels of inflammatory markers, increasing long-term health risks.
A 2019 NIH study showed that maternal caregivers of children with disabilities were twice as likely to develop chronic health conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and autoimmune disorders.
Many mothers report skipping their own medical appointments, citing time constraints, lack of respite care, and feeling guilty for prioritizing themselves.
Caregiver burnout has been linked to higher levels of inflammatory markers, increasing long-term health risks.
Financial and Social Impacts Add to the Strain
Health isn’t just about the body. Social isolation and financial stress also erode well-being.
The National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs found that one in five families of children with disabilities reported cutting back on work hours or leaving a job altogether—mothers more so than fathers.
Nearly 70% of mothers report feeling socially isolated or misunderstood by their community, often due to the unpredictability or intensity of their child’s needs.
Lack of access to appropriate support services compounds the strain, especially for families in underserved or rural areas.
The National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs found that one in five families of children with disabilities reported cutting back on work hours or leaving a job altogether—mothers more so than fathers.
Nearly 70% of mothers report feeling socially isolated or misunderstood by their community, often due to the unpredictability or intensity of their child’s needs.
Lack of access to appropriate support services compounds the strain, especially for families in underserved or rural areas.
What Can Help?
Supportive systems make a difference. When mothers have access to respite care, inclusive education, financial assistance, and mental health services, their overall wellness improves.
Peer support groups and advocacy training have been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and increase maternal empowerment.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction and therapy (including online options) can significantly lower symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- And while wine may feel like a temporary solution—true support goes deeper than a glass at the end of a hard day (though no judgment here—sometimes a Pinot and a moment of silence is part of the self-care plan!).
Peer support groups and advocacy training have been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and increase maternal empowerment.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction and therapy (including online options) can significantly lower symptoms of anxiety and depression.
