Predicting parental caregiving burden based on sensory processing patterns and social skills in individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder

TL;DR

The study finds that sensory processing issues and poor social skills in children with autism increase the caregiving burden on parents.

Contribution

The study identifies specific sensory and social-behavioral factors as unique predictors of parental caregiving burden in high-functioning autism.

Findings

Sensory sensitivity and sensory avoiding significantly predict higher parental burden.

Lower social skills and higher problem behavior together explain 41.4% of the variance in caregiving burden.

Interventions targeting these factors may reduce caregiver stress in autism.

Abstract

This study aimed to Predicting Parental Caregiving Burden Based on Sensory Processing Patterns and Social Skills in Individuals with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This correlational study recruited a convenience sample of 60 autistic children (aged 5–12 years, IQ > 80) from rehabilitation clinics. Parents completed the Zarit Burden Interview, the Sensory Profile School Companion, and the Gresham and Elliott Social Skills Rating Scale. Data were assessed using Pearson correlation as well as multiple regression analyses.

Sensory processing patterns were positively correlated with parental burden (r = 0.52 to 0.58), while social skills were negatively correlated (r = -0.59). Regression analyses identified significant unique predictors. Sensory Sensitivity (β = 0.28, p = 0.03) and Sensory Avoiding (β = 0.31, p = 0.02) were significant positive predictors of burden. In a separate model, lower Social Skills (β = -0.42, p = 0.003) and higher Problem Behavior (β = 0.28, p = 0.02) significantly predicted greater burden, collectively explaining 41.4% of the variance.

Specific sensory processing difficulties (sensitivity and avoidance) and social-behavioral factors are significant, unique predictors of parental care burden. Interventions targeting these domains may alleviate caregiver stress and improve family outcomes in autism.