The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts not only diagnosed individuals, but also significantly affects the quality of life of both primary and secondary caregivers. These effects are particularly pronounced when compared to caregivers of individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders...

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Main Authors: José Jesús Sánchez Amate, Antonio Luque de la Rosa
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Brain Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1116
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author José Jesús Sánchez Amate
Antonio Luque de la Rosa
author_facet José Jesús Sánchez Amate
Antonio Luque de la Rosa
author_sort José Jesús Sánchez Amate
collection DOAJ
description Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts not only diagnosed individuals, but also significantly affects the quality of life of both primary and secondary caregivers. These effects are particularly pronounced when compared to caregivers of individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The emotional and physical demands of caring for someone with ASD can profoundly alter family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, creating challenges that require a comprehensive approach to be understood and addressed. Methods: The methodological design is a narrative review study, based on a search conducted during May, June, July, and August 2024 in the Scopus, Dialnet, and WoS databases concerning the object of study. As a result, a total of 197 articles were qualitatively analyzed. Of these, 36 articles were selected for a more detailed qualitative analysis, leading to a final sample of 14 documents. The selected studies were examined through qualitative content analysis. The inclusion criteria for this selection were as follows: empirical studies or research published in English or Spanish; open access via the Internet; categories limited to “education/educational research” relevant to the proposed objectives; and specific documents related to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results: The care of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a significant and multifaceted impact on family life, deeply affecting the mental health of caregivers. These effects manifest in the form of chronic stress, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties, altering family dynamics. The quality of life of caregivers varies depending on the coping strategies they employ, which are crucial for their emotional well-being. Conclusions: Understanding and optimizing these strategies is essential to mitigate the negative effects of caregiving and improving the overall well-being of families living with ASD.
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spelling doaj-art-dc819c58badf49d18cd1539b5a9471aa2024-11-26T17:55:02ZengMDPI AGBrain Sciences2076-34252024-11-011411111610.3390/brainsci14111116The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping StrategiesJosé Jesús Sánchez Amate0Antonio Luque de la Rosa1Department of Education, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, SpainDepartment of Education, University of Almeria, 04120 Almería, SpainBackground: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) impacts not only diagnosed individuals, but also significantly affects the quality of life of both primary and secondary caregivers. These effects are particularly pronounced when compared to caregivers of individuals with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The emotional and physical demands of caring for someone with ASD can profoundly alter family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, creating challenges that require a comprehensive approach to be understood and addressed. Methods: The methodological design is a narrative review study, based on a search conducted during May, June, July, and August 2024 in the Scopus, Dialnet, and WoS databases concerning the object of study. As a result, a total of 197 articles were qualitatively analyzed. Of these, 36 articles were selected for a more detailed qualitative analysis, leading to a final sample of 14 documents. The selected studies were examined through qualitative content analysis. The inclusion criteria for this selection were as follows: empirical studies or research published in English or Spanish; open access via the Internet; categories limited to “education/educational research” relevant to the proposed objectives; and specific documents related to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Results: The care of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has a significant and multifaceted impact on family life, deeply affecting the mental health of caregivers. These effects manifest in the form of chronic stress, anxiety, and interpersonal difficulties, altering family dynamics. The quality of life of caregivers varies depending on the coping strategies they employ, which are crucial for their emotional well-being. Conclusions: Understanding and optimizing these strategies is essential to mitigate the negative effects of caregiving and improving the overall well-being of families living with ASD.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1116Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)family and caregiversmental and emotional healthcoping strategies
spellingShingle José Jesús Sánchez Amate
Antonio Luque de la Rosa
The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
Brain Sciences
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
family and caregivers
mental and emotional health
coping strategies
title The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
title_full The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
title_fullStr The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
title_full_unstemmed The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
title_short The Effect of Autism Spectrum Disorder on Family Mental Health: Challenges, Emotional Impact, and Coping Strategies
title_sort effect of autism spectrum disorder on family mental health challenges emotional impact and coping strategies
topic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
family and caregivers
mental and emotional health
coping strategies
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/11/1116
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