Quality of life for mothers of childrenwith autism spectrum disorders

Abstract

Aim: Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) require additional care and different forms of support, which often affects the entire family, including mothers. The aim of this research is to determine the quality of life (QOL) of mothers of children with ASD and the factors related to the QOL of mothers.
Methods: The participants were 40 mothers of children who have a diagnosis of ASD and are aged from 2 to 7 years. The questionnaire of the World Health Organization WHOQOL-BREF was used as a measuring instrument.
Results: The research found that the QOL of mothers of preschool children with ASD deviated from satisfactory in all domains. Household income and mother's level of education proved to be significant factors related to QOL. Mothers of children with ASD with higher average household incomes had better mental health, were more satisfied with their environment and showed better physical health. Furthermore, mothers with a higher level of education had better mental health and were more satisfied with their environment. However, the working status of the mother and the severity of the child's symptoms did not prove to be significant factors in this study.
Conclusions: Knowing the exact areas of QOL that are impaired in mothers of children with ASD and the factors that affect it contributes to better family counseling and the creation of a partnership relationship with parents, and consequently to the achievement of the goals of support and provision of social support to mothers of children with ASD.