Family quality of life and coping in families of children with an ASD
Date
2020
Authors
King, Ashlyn, author
Hepburn, Susan, advisor
Lane, Shelly, committee member
Biringen, Zeynep, committee member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Given the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses, this study sought to explore the impact of an ASD on Family Quality of Life (FQOL). While stress in families who have children with an ASD has been well-documented, the factors that impact FQOL have not been researched as heavily. This study explored associations between ASD symptom severity, coping strategies, and FQOL. For this study, I utilized data from a sample of 36 parent-child dyads in which the child had received a diagnosis of an ASD. Caregivers reported on ASD symptom severity, family quality of life, and coping strategies they employed, among other measures as part of a baseline battery. This study found a significant negative association between ASD symptom severity and FQOL but did not find a significant correlation between the use of coping strategies (specifically passive appraisal, reframing, and acquiring social support) and FQOL. The results indicate that ASD symptom severity is related to lower family quality of life and indicates the need for intervention and support for families.