Self-assessed Health in Caregivers of Persons with Autism: Associations with Depressive Symptoms, Positive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, and Well-Being

Purpose Caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect family caregivers\u27 self-assessed health. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms, positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being will differ significantly among those who rated their health as fair, good, or excellent. Design and Methods This study is a secondary analysis of 109 ASD caregivers who were recruited from the Interactive ASD Network. Findings Depression was significantly lower among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair. Positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being were significantly higher among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair. Practice Implications Interventions to enhance caregivers\u27 positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being are recommended