LAUSR

Abstract Introduction The Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterised by general deficits in social communication, stereotypes, and restricted interests. The ASD have a high prevalence of additional psychiatric disorders that make their daily functioning worse, and reduces their quality of life, as well as that of their families. Material and methods In an effort to identify the environmental characteristics that may explain this high comorbidity, this study has focused on the symptoms of stress and psychological unease of the parents as possible risk factors. A cross-section study was carried out on the relationship between the stress and psychological unease of the parents of pre-school children (2–6 years) with ASD and its relationship with co-existing psychological conditions in children with ASD. Results and Conclusions High levels of stress and psychological unease in the parents are already associated, since early childhood, with a co-existing psychological condition in that population, specifically with emotional and behavioural problems (P.05). However, further longitudinal studies are needed for a better understanding of the causal relationship between these variables and their possible bidirectional relationship.