RESOURCES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Participants were 23 caregivers of children between the ages of four to twenty-two years old who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and attend the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) Social Recreation program in Winterville, Wilmington, and Newport. The present study evaluated the quality of life in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, as well as the utilization and availability of resources for their child and the family. Data was collected using an online Qualtrics survey sent out to families by email. The survey consisted of questions regarding demographics, questions from the Questionnaire for Each Treatment regarding the treatments their child with autism receives, and questions from the Family Quality of Life Scale by the Beach Center on Disability. Overall results revealed that parenting is the most satisfying domain of quality of life, and disability related support was the least satisfactory for the parents. Results suggest that families with disability need to identify and enroll their children in early intervention programs and recreation program that help with children’s development. The government and school programs should also strive to offer educative sessions for parents and families with children with autism to enhance their contribution outside of school hours.