How parenting shapes the relationship between autistic traits and self-esteem in youth: a comparative study of autism spectrum disorder

Background Self-esteem is a critical factor in the psychological adjustment of children and adolescents, yet little is known about how autistic traits and parenting styles interact to relate self-worth in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Understanding these relationships may provide important insights for family-based interventions. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 76 participants (ASD: n = 40; typically developing TD: n = 36). Autistic traits were assessed using the Japanese version of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-J), parenting attitudes were evaluated with the Parental Nurturance and Parenting Scale (PNPS), and self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). In the ASD group, clinician-rated autism symptom severity was additionally assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). Associations among autistic traits, parenting attitudes, and self-esteem were examined using multiple linear regression and partial correlation analyses. Results Children and adolescents with ASD exhibited significantly lower self-esteem than their TD peers (RSES: ASD TD, p 0.01). In the combined sample, higher AQ-J scores were independently associated with lower self-esteem (β ≈ −0.48, p 0.01). Within the ASD group, negative parenting attitudes were linked to lower self-esteem (β = −0.36, p = 0.02), whereas positive parenting attitudes showed a non-significant trend toward higher self-esteem (β = 0.20, p = 0.17). Conversely, clinician-rated autism symptom severity assessed by the ADOS-2 was not associated with self-esteem (β = 0.06, p = 0.72). Overall, parenting attitudes were more closely related to self-esteem than clinician-rated symptom severity in the ASD group. Conclusion These findings underscore the relevance of parenting contexts in relation to self-esteem among youth with ASD. Although autistic traits were associated with greater vulnerability in self-esteem, supportive parenting attitudes were associated with more favorable self-esteem outcomes. Together, the results suggest that parenting-related factors may be important considerations when addressing psychological well-being in autistic children and adolescents.