Perceptions of Caregiver Burden and Living Arrangements of Adult Children With Autism

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the living arrangements of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contribute to caregiver burden. The sample included 320 aging parents of adult children with ASD who were living in their parents' homes, independently, independently with assistance, or residential group homes. Aging parents completed a survey measuring four types of caregiver burden (time dependence, developmental, emotional, and financial). Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance was used to determine whether differences in caregiver burden by the living arrangements of adult children with autism were significant. Aging parents whose adult children lived in group homes tended to have the greatest caregiver burden, while those whose adult children lived independently had the least caregiver burden. Social workers can provide support for parents, adults with ASD, and the family unit as they explore the benefits and challenges of different living arrangements.