Factors that affect the physical and mental health of caregivers of school-age children and transitioning young adults with autism spectrum disorder.
BACKGROUND
Although studies have examined quality of life (QOL) among family caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little is known about potential differences in QOL based on the age of the individual with ASD, particularly in relation to caregivers' needs, beliefs and coping mechanisms.


METHOD
This study investigated 132 caregivers of school-age children and 61 caregivers of transitioning young adults with ASD on measures of caregiving, strain, coping, family needs and QOL.


RESULTS
The results indicated that there were no significant differences in QOL based on the age of the individuals with ASD, although parents of children reported significantly more caregiving behaviours, with coping, internalized strain and health information needs predicted mental health QOL.


DISCUSSION
Age of the individual with ASD was not significantly related to caregivers' QOL. More research is needed to determine independent predictors of caregiver QOL across the lifespan.
['Lee|Gloria K|GK|http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4447-0154', 'Shivers|Carolyn M|CM|']
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder D017028:Caregivers D002648:Child D002675:Child, Preschool D005190:Family D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011788:Quality of Life D013315:Stress, Psychological D055815:Young Adult
autism spectrum disorder quality of life coping strain caregiving needs