A comparison of the experiences, challenges and coping strategies for parents of children with autism residing in the United States and The Arab World

Quality of life of primary caregivers of autistic children: Structural equation modeling

PURPOSE

Because autistic children may face difficulties living independently, considering their caregivers' quality of life (QoL) is crucial. However, few studies have examined the pathways through which the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects caregivers. Based on the stress process model, this study examined a hypothesized model of how ASD severity affects caregivers' QoL, both directly and indirectly, through coping strategies, family functioning, and perceived social support.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 392 caregivers of autistic children in Saudi Arabia. Structured interviews were conducted between April and July 2023. The data were collected from caregivers who visited the developmental and behavioral disorders clinic, daycare centers, and schools. Descriptive and correlational analyses were conducted to describe the study variables and their association with caregivers' QoL. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model.

RESULTS

The results showed that the hypothesized model fit the data. Maladaptive coping strategies (β = -0.039, P < 0.05), family functioning (β = -0.110, P < 0.05), and perceived social support (β = -0.182, P < 0.05) partially mediated the association between ASD severity and caregivers' QoL.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Our findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions that focus on QoL for caregivers of autistic children, encouraging adaptive coping strategies, improving family functioning, and enhancing perceptions of social support.

Gender differences in predictors of quality of life for parents of children with Autism Spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE

Few researchers have examined gender differences in the quality of life (QoL) of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in diverse cultural contexts. The purpose of this study was to identify how ASD severity, affiliate stigma, perceived social support, family functioning, and coping strategies differentially predict the QoL of mothers and fathers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Based on a cross-sectional research design, data were gathered between April and July 2023 from a convenience sample of 376 parents (220 mothers and 156 fathers) of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Welch's t-test and regression were used to achieve the study purpose.

RESULTS

Mothers of children with ASD reported lower QoL, perceived social support, and family functioning than fathers. Mothers relied on emotion-focused coping strategies, whereas fathers used problem-focused coping strategies. Furthermore, affiliate stigma, perceived social support, and family functioning significantly predicted the QoL of mothers and fathers of children with ASD. However, the severity of ASD affected only the QoL of the mothers. Problem-focused coping significantly predicted fathers' QoL but not mothers' QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight gender differences in the factors that predict the QoL of parents of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Healthcare professionals should consider parents' gender when providing support and interventions to improve parental QoL.