Short report: Social support access among single caregivers with children on the autism spectrum. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sticinski, E. Virginia; Eidelman, Steven; Karpyn, Allison; Chai, Sheau C.; Earnshaw, Valerie A.
• Is Part Of: Research in developmental disabilities. Volume 128(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Single caregiver -- Autism spectrum disorder -- Social support -- Family stress theory; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmental Disabilities -- Periodicals; Disabled -- Periodicals; Mental Retardation -- rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Personnes atteintes de troubles du développement -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Enfants atteints de troubles du développement -- Éducation -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Développement, Troubles du -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 616.858800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-4222

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Caregivers of children with autism are more likely to experience parenting stress than parents of neurotypical children. Research on parenting stress focuses on partnered caregivers and little is known about the comparative social support experienced by single caregivers. Aim: To explore differences in perceived social support between single versus partnered caregivers of adolescent and adult children on the autism spectrum. Methods and Procedures: A cross-sectional, quantitative study using the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI) as a measure of perceived social support. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to examine the association between caregiver relationship status and perceived social support. Outcomes and Results: There were statistically significant associations between relationship status and perceived social support, with single caregivers perceiving less social support than partnered caregivers (p < .001). Conclusions and Implications: Single caregivers of adolescent and adult children on the autism spectrum perceive less social support than partnered caregivers. Service providers should routinely evaluate the support access of this single caregivers and target support services to address the distinct needs of this population. Highlights: Caregivers of family members with ASD require considerable support. Social support access promotes caregiver well-being. Single parents report less access to social support than partnered parents. Research is needed to identify and address disparities in social support access.