Beyond the nuclear family: Perceived stigma and support from extended relatives by Chinese parents of autistic children

Despite the substantial role of extended relatives in childcare in China and worldwide, their involvement in the care of autistic children remains understudied. This quantitative study aims to characterise the role of extended relatives in caring for autistic children, and to examine the relationship between the stigma and support provided by extended relatives. Using a cross-sectional design 233 Chinese parents of autistic children were recruited by convenience and snowball sampling. The results showed that Chinese autistic children have frequent interactions with their extended relatives, with 40% living in extended family households. Extended relatives are a common source of support, and their support is considered helpful by many parents. Linear regression analysis indicated that household structure and extended relatives’ stigma towards the autistic child have a significant effect on both the frequency and helpfulness of support. Living in a nuclear or extended family household significantly moderated the effects of extended relatives’ stigma on their support. In families living apart from their extended relatives, stigma towards the autistic child and stigma towards parents were both negatively associated with the support offered by extended relatives. In contrast, when living with extended relatives, stigma towards the parent was positively associated with support, while stigma towards the autistic child was unrelated to the support provided. Our findings highlight the important role of extended relatives in the care for autistic children. Caregiver interventions should consider including extended relatives in the programme focus to address stigma and strengthen family support.