The Impact of Co-Occurring Behavioral and Emotional Problems on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Autistic Children: A Preliminary Study.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by symptoms that vary in how severe they are. ASD individuals often present with psychiatric comorbidities that significantly impact their well-being and quality of life (QoL), with possible impacts on their family. Aims: This preliminary study aims to assess the impact of internalizing and externalizing behaviors, not closely related to the core symptoms of autism, on the QoL of their caregivers. Method: A pilot study was conducted with a sample of 58 children diagnosed with ASD and their caregivers, using the Quality of Life in Autism (QoLA) questionnaires for caregivers and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to evaluate the children's behavioral and emotional problems. Results and Conclusions: The results revealed significant differences in the mean age of the children (3.32 ± 0.88 vs. 8.47 ± 2.51 years) and caregivers (35.68 ± 7.57 vs. 40.42 ± 6.43 years), with a notable impact of specific behavioral issues, such as attention, aggression, and externalizing behaviors, on the QoL of caregivers. In younger children, caregivers' QoL was positively correlated with their age, with sleep problems being the primary source of stress. In older children, a negative correlation was found between caregivers' age and their QoL, with conduct and social problems in children having a negative effect on caregivers' well-being. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of these factors on the QoL of caregivers of ASD children.