Individual, parent and social-environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder

M Burke; T Heller

doi:10.1111/jir.12271

Individual, parent and social-environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder

J Intellect Disabil Res. 2016 May;60(5):401-11. doi: 10.1111/jir.12271.

Authors

M Burke¹, T Heller²

Affiliations

¹ Special Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA.
² Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.

PMID: 27120984
DOI: 10.1111/jir.12271

Abstract

Introduction: Compared to parents of adults with other types of disabilities, parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience worse well-being. Thus, it is crucial to identify the individual, parent and social-environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with ASD.

Method: For this study, 130 parents of adults with ASD responded to a survey about caregiving satisfaction, self-efficacy and burden.

Results: Greater future planning and community involvement related to more caregiving satisfaction and increased caregiving self-efficacy, respectively. Less choicemaking of the adult with ASD related to greater caregiving satisfaction and self-efficacy. Maladaptive behaviours and poor health of the adult with ASD related to greater caregiving burden.

Conclusions: Implications for policymakers, practitioners and future research are discussed.

Keywords: adult children; autism; burden; caregiving; satisfaction; self-efficacy.

Publication types

Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Adult Children*
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Autism Spectrum Disorder / nursing*
Caregivers / psychology*
Cost of Illness*
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Parents / psychology*
Personal Satisfaction*
Self Efficacy*