Family quality of life: perceptions of parents of children with developmental disabilities in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Impacts of Caregiving for Individuals with Autism in Low-Resource Settings, a Report from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Caring for children with different developmental trajectories brings various challenges, which are often exacerbated in low-resource settings. International research has shown that raising a child with autism strongly impacts family caregivers, particularly mothers. There is a dearth of information regarding caregiving for individuals with autism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and for fathers as well as mothers. This study examined the similarities and differences in caregiving for mothers and fathers of a child with autism in KRI using validated rating scales to measure various aspects of their general well-being. Over two years, a sample of 118 parents of individuals with autism (81 mothers and 37 fathers) self-completed the rating scales, which were further discussed through individual interviews with service personnel mainly known to them. The findings indicated that mothers and fathers were similarly impacted. Although there were no statistically significant differences in the ratings of their general health, sources of stress, family functioning, and satisfaction with caregiving, the majority of parents had elevated ratings on all the measures. In addition, parents who rated their children higher on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist had significantly higher scores on their general health issues and were less satisfied with their caregiving role. Parents of female individuals with autism were also significantly more stressed compared to the male individuals with autism and parents of children who received a diagnosis before three years of age, reported fewer behavioral problems with their child compared to the parents who received a diagnosis when the child was older. In this sample, mothers and fathers seem to be similarly impacted by caring for a child with autism, which is contrary to findings from other countries. However, in this region, family bonds between couples and the wider family may have had an influence which further cross-cultural research in low-resource settings could help elucidate, notwithstanding the challenges this poses. The findings have policy implications for health authorities in the KRI to improve the support provided to both mothers and fathers who care for children with autism, which presently is rarely available to them.

Family quality of life of caregivers of individuals with autism, with other disabilities, and without disabilities: the case of Saudi Arabia

This comprehensive study delves into the family quality of life (FQOL) of caregivers in Saudi Arabia, focusing on those caring for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other disabilities and those without any disabilities. Employing the Arabic version of the Beach Center FQOL Scale, the research encompasses a diverse group of 1065 family members. It reveals that caregivers of individuals without disabilities experience notably higher FQOL, especially in domains such as family interaction, parenting, emotional, and physical/material well-being. The study also identifies unique FQOL challenges encountered by caregivers of individuals with autism. These insights underscore the necessity for specific support mechanisms catering to the distinct needs of caregivers, particularly those handling autism-related challenges, highlighting a critical area for targeted interventions and policy formulation.

Variations in Perceptions of Well-Being within Families of Youths with Intellectual Disabilities in Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the family well-being among Saudi Arabian families with youth who have an intellectual disability. A sample of 148 family members, including parents and other relatives, was surveyed on emotional well-being, family interactions, and parenting. This study aimed to explore the unique challenges and dynamics within these families, providing insights into how an intellectual disability in a youth affects the family unit. The research highlights a gap in understanding the specific impacts of intellectual disability on family life in the Saudi context. Key findings include variations in family quality of life perceptions among different family members, with fathers showing distinct levels of satisfaction. This study contributes to the development of culturally sensitive support strategies and policies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance the well-being of these families in Saudi Arabia.

Family Communication in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Applying the Family Caregiver Communication Typology to Parent Caregivers

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience greater stress and caregiver burden than parents of children with other disabilities. To cope with the stress of long-term caregiving, they rely on professionals for support and guidance. However, parents continue to report unmet communication and support needs. To inform tailored communication for parents of a child with ASD, this study used the existing Family Caregiver Communication Typology framework which identifies four caregiver communication types (manager, carrier, partner, and lone) and their unique communication and support needs. In-depth, structured interviews were conducted with parents (n = 22) and ASD professionals (n = 28) to explore communication characteristics of ASD parent caregivers. A thematic analysis revealed communication behaviors among four ASD parent caregiver types, further validating the typology. Future research is needed to develop targeted interventions for improving family-centered care based on ASD parent caregiver types.

The impact of family characteristics on the level of empowerment and the level of family quality of life of parents using early childhood intervention services

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) may be defined as the set of interventions for children from 0 to 6 years of age with disabilities or developmental disorders, their families, and the environment. Understanding the family as an active agent during the intervention, the aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between Family Quality of Life (FQoL) and family empowerment of parents with children with disabilities or developmental disorders who are users of ECI services. It also aimed to clarify the impact of family characteristics on FQoL and parental empowerment. The sample consisted of 322 parents or legal guardians from the Balearic Islands (Spain) users of ECI services, who responded to sociodemographic questions, the Family Quality of Life Scale for families with children with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities under 18 years of age (CdVF-ER) and Family Empowerment Scale (FES). Descriptive, differential, and correlational analyses were performed. The results obtained show medium-high levels of empowerment and FQoL, as well as differences in FQoL and family empowerment depending on family characteristics. Highlighting the scarcity of previous research, this study shows a positive and significant link between the level of family empowerment and FQoL.

Stress and Anxiety Among Parents of Transition-Aged Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review of Interventions and Scales

The period between adolescence to young adulthood can be stressful for parents of transition-aged children (14 to 22 years old) with autism spectrum disorder. A systematic review was undertaken to examine if existing interventions address the unique parental stressors of this phase and if the scales used to measure parental stress and anxiety are suitable for this group. Of the 9813 studies screened, only 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that interventions focused on mindfulness, social functioning, or multiple components, of which only two addressed the transition period and only three specifically targeted parents of this age group. Moreover, of the six scales which assessed stress or anxiety, none were designed for these parents. Findings highlight the urgent need for more suitable scales and targeted interventions.

Parent-teacher interactions, family stress, well-being, and parental depression as contributing factors to parental involvement mechanisms in education of children with autism

Parental involvement (PI) in education contributes to numerous positive outcomes in children, including educational outcomes and social competence. The goal of the present study was to examine differences in PI mechanisms between parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and parents of typically developing (TD) children. An additional goal was to examine factors affecting PI mechanisms in education in parents of children with ASD. The sample for this study consisted of 50 parents of children with ASD and 50 parents of TD children. The results of this study indicate that parents of children with ASD had lower levels of PI mechanisms in education than parents of TD children. The strongest predictors of PI mechanisms in education in parents of children with ASD were subjective well-being and child's emotional reactivity. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.