Family-Based Support as a Social Determinant of Health-Protective Factor for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in managing the demands of caregiving. This study highlights the critical role of familybased support as a social determinant of health-protective factor (SDHPF) that enhances the well-being of parents, helping to mitigate depressive symptoms. Using a secondary dataset of 199 parents/ caregivers of children with ASD, this study examines how familybased support, child symptom severity, and financial resources (income) influence parental mental health. The findings show that strong family support is positively associated with lower levels of depression, underscoring the strength of social networks in enhancing mental health. Results suggest that fostering family-based support systems can be a powerful tool in promoting resilience and reducing depression in parents of children with ASD. The study’s implications for professional development and training, clinical practice, and policy development focus on leveraging these strengths to further support the mental health of caregivers.