Impact of caregiver burden on quality of life for parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
Department/School
Social Work
Publication Title
American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Abstract
This study sought to examine the impact of time, developmental, emotional, and financial burdens on the quality of life (QOL) for parents (aged 50þ) of an adult child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants (N ¼ 320) completed a web-based survey and could indicate interest in participating in one-on-one follow up interviews. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that two variables, developmental burden and impact of caregiving on finances, were statistically significant predictors of parents’ QOL. Developmental burden was the strongest predictor of parental QOL, demonstrating an inverse relationship. Qualitatively, reported findings indicated that many parents were experiencing all four burdens. Findings highlighted the need to provide services and supports to alleviate burden among aging parents of adult children with ASD.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Marsack-Topolewski, C. N., & Church, H. L. (2019). Impact of caregiver burden on quality of life for parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 124(2), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.1352/1944-7558-124.2.145