Behavioural Concerns of Children on the Autism Spectrum and the Impact on Parental Quality of Life

Abstract

\n PurposeThis study aimed to determine the association between parental quality of life (QoL) and autism severity, child’s cognitive level, adaptive behaviour and behavioural profile, and sociodemographic factors utilising the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA).MethodsParents of children attending an autism specific preschool centre completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales 2nd edition (VABS) and Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Trained researchers assessed autism severity with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2) and the cognitive level with the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL).ResultsFor parents of children on the autism spectrum, having other children without the condition buffered the potential negative effects on parental QoL. Lower levels of autism severity and internalising behaviours, and higher levels of daily living scores predicted greater perceived parental QoL. Parents perceived their child’s autism-specific behaviour as less problematic when the child had higher socialisation scores. While lower levels of Attention Problems, Withdrawn Behaviour and lower scores on the Dysregulation Profile (Externalising Behaviours, Aggressive Behaviour and Anxious/Depressed) predicted greater perceived parental QoL, higher levels of Withdrawn Behaviour, Aggression and Externalising Behaviour predicted poorer perceived parental QoL. There were no significant findings for the relationship between parental QoL and cognitive level.ConclusionThe present research establishes the complex effects of raising a child on the autism spectrum on parental QoL. Findings indicate a child’s autism symptom severity, adaptive functioning and behavioural profile has greater impact on parental QoL than cognitive level.