Social and financial difficulties of caregivers for children diagnosed with autism

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is one of the most widely spread developmental disorders that has raised an urgent public health concern. Regardless of advances in modern technology and research studies there is more to the disorder to be considered in the endeavor of finding the cause and treatment. This study focuses on the caregiver’s aspect of the problem. The quality of life for caregivers of children with an ASD is very crucial for developing their children’s full potential. Method: Forty-five participants (n=45) were recruited from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Autism Resource Center (SPARC), the Autism Society of America – Greater Philadelphia Chapter, and Autism Alliances to voluntarily contribute to an online survey assessing the social and financial difficulties/burdens that are facing caregivers of children with an ASD Results: Caregivers of children with ASD are facing tremendous financial and social burdens. No statistical difference in financial (U=24.0, z=-0.1, p=.340) or social burden (U=26.5, z=-0.8, p=.420) between caregivers having one vs. one or more children diagnosed with an ASD. No statistical difference in financial (t=-1.1, p=.270) or social burden (t=-0.3, p=.764) among caregivers who had one child vs. more than one child Conclusion: Findings suggest an urgent need for health administrators to advocate to find solutions to the financial and social difficulties facing caregivers who have children with autism.