Risk and protective factors for the health of primary care-givers of children with autism spectrum disorders or intellectual disability: a narrative review

Abstract

Background: Primary care-givers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID) have poorer health and quality of life than primary care-givers of typically developing children. We aimed to review original research which described factors impacting the health of primary care-givers of children with ASD or ID and to discuss how these factors might influence care-giver health. Methods: We searched electronic databases and retrieved 33 relevant research articles. Results: Factors impacting primary care-giver health included child behaviour, support and diagnostic issues. We explain how these factors might impact care-giver health and how they might act differentially in care-givers of children with different types of ASD or ID. Interventions to moderate one or more risk factors could pave the way for improved primary care-giver health.