The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on the Quality of Life of Parents

The impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the quality of life of parents represents an established scientific reality, which transcends a passing effect to touch the essence of daily life. The concept of quality of life here is not a mere term, but a comprehensive framework that encompasses interconnected psychological, social, physical, and economic aspects. It can be assessed through precise indicators that reflect the extent of the impact on parents, such as emotional well-being, which can be shaken under the weight of pressures, parental roles that require constant adaptation, family interaction that can undergo radical transformations, and the support provided in caring for these children who face the challenges of disability. In this study, we seek to analyze this impact in depth and explore its various dimensions on the quality of life of parents. Our analysis is not limited to observing the impact, but extends to examining the close relationship between this impact and the sex of the parents, asking: Does the degree of impact differ between mothers and fathers? Do mothers bear a heavier burden in the face of the challenges of ASD in their children? Answering these questions requires us to delve into the nature of each parent’s social and cultural roles and analyze the extent of their impact on their ability to adapt to this new reality. Our in-depth understanding of these dynamics will open broader perspectives for developing effective and targeted interventions, aimed at supporting parents and enabling them to face the challenges of ASD, thereby improving their quality of life and that of their children. Objective: This intervention aims to present a field study that assessed the level of impact of autism on the quality of life of parents of children with autism and to show the close relationship between this impact and the sex of the parents. Study Methodology: Data were collected using the Beach Center Quality of Life Scale, which includes five indicators to assess the quality of life of parents, including their emotional well-being. The study sample consisted of 50 cases of parents of children with ASD (25 mothers and 25 fathers) using statistical analysis software, where we analyzed the impact of autism on the quality of life of parents according to their sex. Results: The study results showed statistically significant differences between mothers and fathers regarding quality-of-life levels in the five domains mentioned previously, where the results showed a superiority of fathers in the quality-of-life averages compared to mothers, and thus a greater impact on them by the child’s disability. Conclusion: These results highlight the importance of providing psychological and social support to mothers of children with ASD, and it is necessary to develop training programs and specific support services to help them face the challenges they encounter in order to improve their quality of life and alleviate their burden.