To study the effect of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder on lives of parents and problems, challenges faced by them.

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses significant challenges not only to affected children but also to their families, particularly parents. The impact of ASD on parents' psychological, emotional, and social well-being can lead to increased stress and reduced quality of life. This hospital-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted over six months (January to June 2024) at the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida. Ethical clearance was obtained, and informed consent was acquired from parents of children diagnosed with ASD visiting the Pediatrics Outpatient Department. Among the participants, a majority were female (56.0%), with most parents aged 31-40 years (65.5%). Many parents reported inadequate support, with 31.5% feeling they received "a little" support. Satisfaction rates varied: 45.5% were satisfied with sleep, and 46.0% with daily living activities. Notably, 32.5% of respondents experienced negative feelings "very often." Parents of children with ASD face diverse challenges, including inadequate support and emotional distress. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and support programs to enhance their quality of life.