Exploring the Impact of Social Support on Quality of Life of Parents of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Aim:  Social support is a significant psychosocial resource that help an individual to cope with critical life events. The transition to adulthood introduces unique stressors for both caregivers and individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), encompassing challenges related to financial difficulties, declining psychological well-being and health, assuming sole caregiving responsibilities following the death of a partner, and uncertainties surrounding the future care of the adult child with I/DD. Given these challenges, the present study aims to explore the impact of perceived level social support on QOL of parents of adults with ID and ASD. Method: The participants for this study consisted exclusively of parents who were caregivers of an adult child with ID and ASD (Certified by Government of West Bengal), age ranged 18 years to 30 years. The parents consisted of individuals who were a minimum age of 40 years to 55 years and were caregivers of adult children with ID and ASD. The Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) was administered to measure the parent’s perceived social support and The World Health Organization Quality of Life- Brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) was administered to assess the parent’s perceived QOL. Results: There is no significant variation of level of condition and types of condition on the perception of QOL of the parents of adult sons/daughters with ID and ASD.  The findings further indicated that there is a significant effect of perceived social support on the overall quality of life and its dimensions viz. psychological.  Discussion: Parents considered that social support has an impact on their subjective well-being. Conclusion: The findings can be used to develop research informed policy and practice for parents of adult children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.