Short report: Social support access among single caregivers with children on the autism spectrum

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.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Family stress theory; Single caregiver; Social support.