Autism in kids doesn't drive parents to divorce

There's no doubt that having a child with autism can put stress on a marriage. The same can be said for any number of puzzling childhood diseases. But a common perception that parents of autistic kids have high divorce rates -- as much as 80 percent -- is a myth, according to a new study from Kennedy Krieger researchers.

Using data from nearly 78,000 children ages 3 through 17 recorded by the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, researchers found that the parents of autistic children are just as likely to be married as the parents of their peers.

Some 64 percent of children with an autism spectrum disorder have two married biological or adoptive parents, compared with 65 percent of children without autism, researchers found.

via Picture of Health: Autism in kids doesn't drive parents to divorce - Your daily dose of information on better living - baltimoresun.com.