Characteristics of adult children with autism and caregiver burden

Abstract Objective This study's purpose was to determine if parental perceptions of their adult children's communication, behavior, and socialization skills were significantly associated with caregiver burden after controlling for income and age of the child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Background Most parents provide support to their children with ASD across the lifespan. This study focused on informing knowledge gaps in caregiving literature in determining which ASD characteristics contribute to caregiver burden. Method Data gathered from 320 parents of adult children with ASD were used to conduct regression analysis to understand how caregiver burden was influenced by three core characteristics of ASD while controlling for age and income. Results Behavior of the adult child predicted caregiver burden and its four types, whereas communication predicted time dependence burden. Caregivers with higher income reported less total and developmental burden and those with older children reported less time dependence burden. Conclusion Findings demonstrate that behavioral challenges of an adult child with ASD contribute significantly to the parental perceptions of caregiver burden, warranting support for aging parents. Implications Professionals should be encouraged and supported to provide services to parents who support their adult children with decreased communication abilities, behavioral, and/or socialization challenges daily.