Predictors of Coping in Caregivers of Transition-Aged Autistic Youth

Predictors of caregiver coping have rarely been explored in caregivers of autistic youth. In a final sample of 172 caregivers of transition-age autistic youth (age = 16–30 years), living in the Midwest United States, predictors were regressed on two coping subscales, capturing adaptive and maladaptive coping. Regression models indicated that caregiver adaptive coping was predicted by positive appraisal of the caregiving experience. Caregiver maladaptive coping was predicted by youth problem behaviors, caregivers feeling much more involved than they would like, and feeling they have just enough to make ends meet at the end of the month. These findings support the need for further investigation into predictors of caregiver coping and offer important targets for future investigation and intervention.