Understanding Well-Being in Families of Autistic Individuals
What's the study about?
The participants of this study will be caregivers to children with autism who will provide insight on their caregiving experience and personal attitudes on their child’s well-being. This one-phase study will be completed via an online Qualtrics survey measuring various constructs including acceptance of autism, perceived child well-being, religiosity, perceived social support, and parental efficacy. The data collected in this study will be used to inform the nature of caregiving relationships in caregivers of children with autism.
Who can participate?
Caregivers (18+) of children/adults with autism
What will participants be doing?
Researchers from the University of Virginia are looking for caregivers (18 or older) of children/adults with autism to participate in a ~15 minute research study, which will be conducted through an online survey. In the study, you will be asked questions about your experience as a caregiver and related personal attitudes about yourself and your child.
Why is this important?
In the field of autism research, there is a focus on the “burden” of caregiving and the negative psychological and mental strain of this experience. Although it is important to acknowledge both positive and negative impacts of the experience of caregiving of children with autism, there is a lack of focus on what factors can aid in a positive perception of caregiving and an overall positive perceived well-being of their children. Focusing on these factors can inform the alleviation of stress and a more productive outlook for the autism community.