Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Riyadh

Abstract

The current study aimed to identify the level of quality of life among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and the differences according to the relationship with the autistic child, gender, severity of disability. The sample consisted of (100) parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, enrolled in the program of autism, intentionally selected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Quality of life scale prepared and utilized by the author after verification of validity and reliability. The results showed that the level of quality of life among the participants was medium, and the results showed statistically significant differences in the level of quality of life among the participants due to the impact of the relationship with autistic children, where differences were in favor of the parents, and the variable of gender of the autistic child, where differences were in favor of the males, and severity of the disability, where the differences were in favor of the mild group. The study recommended the need to draw the attention of officials in the care and service centers for children with autism spectrum to provide training programs and activities for parents of autistic children to raise the level of quality of life, especially mothers.