Development of a scale to measure empowerment approaches of visiting nurses supporting mothers of school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with substantial challenges for children and their families. Mothers of children with ASD may experience considerable parenting-related stress, particularly when they face difficulties in understanding and responding to their children's behavioral and communication characteristics. In home-visit nursing, empowerment-oriented approaches that support mothers' coping abilities and self-efficacy are important; however, a scale for assessing these support practices has not yet been sufficiently developed.