Closes 17 July 2029
What is this project about?
The aim of this project is to understand the self-care practices used by parents and primary family carers of children with autism to cope with stress.
What is the importance of this research?
Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have poorer mental health outcomes compared to parents of children with typical development and of parents of children with other conditions. Additionally, they are associated with increased use of maladaptive coping strategies, leading to further negative outcomes for the carer and the child. Participating in regular self-care practices can improve well-being and protect against negative mental health outcomes.
Emerging research shows that interventions targeted to carers' characteristics, known as broad autism phenotype (BAP), lead to increased well-being for both the child and the carer. However, research in this area remains limited. This study aims to address this gap.
What does participation in this study involve?
Family carers of children with ASD will complete a cross-sectional self-report survey assessing BAP traits, self-care practices, coping strategies and well-being.
It is hypothesised that higher BAP traits will be associated with lower levels of adaptive coping, and that engagement in self-care will mediate this relationship, acting as a protective factor. This research aims to support targeted interventions for family carers of children with autism.
Who is eligible to take part?
All parents and primary family carers over the age of 18, who care for a child with an autism diagnosis, are invited to take part.
To participate go to the "Start the survey" link below.
Those working with children with autism and their family are invited to share this invitation.
Start the survey