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

We aimed to review original research which described factors impacting the health of primary care-givers of children with Autism or Intellectual Disability

Citation:
Fairthorne JC, Mori Y, Leonard H. Risk and protective factors for the health of primary care-givers of children with autism spectrum disorders or ID: a narrative review. Journal of Autism. 2018;5:1

Keywords:
Autism, intellectual disability, mothers; care-givers, health, 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.