Abstract
This study examined connections between parental quality of life (QoL) and features of children (autism severity, cognitive ability, behavioral profile, and sociodemographic factors). Parents of 97 children attending an autism-specific preschool completed the Quality of Life in Autism, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and Child Behavior Checklist. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Mullen Scales of Early Learning were also administered. Reduced restrictive/repetitive behavior and higher socialization and play/leisure scores were associated with better parental QoL. Better behavioral regulation and attention also predicted better QoL, as did stronger communication and reduced internalising behaviours. Findings indicate that a child’s level of autism specific traits, adaptive functioning and behavioral profile has greater impact on parental QoL than cognitive level.
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VE and AM developed the study proposal and design. VE provided the resources. SIA and LK analysed the data, interpreted the results and theoretical conclusions embedded in current literature. RI, SIA and AM drafted the first version of the manuscript. LK, AM and VE revised the manuscript. All authors approved the manuscript.
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Eapen, V., Islam, R., Azim, S.I. et al. Factors Impacting Parental Quality of Life in Preschool Children on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 54, 943–954 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05848-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05848-w