A recent study conducted by doctors from Niloufer Hospital in Hyderabad, in collaboration with Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, reveals that caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significantly higher stress levels than those caring for non-autistic children. The research compared 50 children diagnosed with autism to 50 matched controls, finding that caregivers of autistic children had an average perceived stress score of 21.88, compared to 18.44 for the control group. Notably, 74% of the autism cases were boys. Dr. Jahnavi Kotamarthi, an assistant professor involved in the study, highlighted that the demands of raising a child with autism contribute to increased stress, particularly for mothers. The study also identified parental psychiatric history as a crucial risk factor, revealing higher rates of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders among parents of autistic children. Additionally, developmental delays were common, with 64% of children showing delayed speech. The findings underscore the importance of early screening and family support in addressing the challenges faced by these families.