Examination of caregiving burden, life satisfaction and coping attitudes of parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

The aim of this research is to examine the caregiving burden, life satisfaction, and coping attitudes of parents with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The study is descriptive in nature. Quantitative data are included in the research, which is designed as a "Quantitative Design" study aimed at testing hypotheses through numerical values. A sample of 159 parents of autistic students registered in Special Education and Rehabilitation Centers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in Istanbul during the 2023-2024 academic year was selected. The "Stratified Random Sampling Method" was used to obtain the sample within the age ranges of 3-6 years, 7-13 years, and 14-18 years. In the research, the "Sociodemographic Information Form," "Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale," "Life Satisfaction Scale," and "COPE Coping Attitudes Evaluation Scale" were used. The data obtained in the study were analyzed using SPSS 27 software. The level and direction of the relationship between the scales were examined using the Pearson Correlation method. Independent Samples t-test and ANOVA tests were applied to understand the differences in variables according to demographic characteristics. Additionally, Simple Linear Regression was preferred for predictive analysis. According to the analysis of the data obtained in the research, significant differences were found among the scores obtained from the scales when compared across educational status variables for the Caregiver Burden Scale. Regarding the Life Satisfaction Scale data, significant differences were found among the scores obtained from the scales when compared across variables such as family structure, gender of the autistic child, and income status. When looking at the Coping Attitudes Scale data, significant differences were found among the scores obtained from the scales when compared across variables such as individual (mother-father), family structure, and income status. According to the data obtained in the research, as parents' life satisfaction increases, positive reframing and growth, mental disengagement, active coping, humor, suppression of other activities, and planning were observed to increase. Focus on the caregiving burden and expression of emotions, as well as the use of emotional support, increased. As the caregiving burden on parents increased, life satisfaction decreased. Statistical significance was found between coping attitudes and life satisfaction, coping attitudes and caregiving burden, and caregiving burden and life satisfaction.