The Impact of Autism Spectrum Disorder on the Quality of Life of Parents

The impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the quality of life of parents represents an established scientific reality, which transcends a passing effect to touch the essence of daily life. The concept of quality of life here is not a mere term, but a comprehensive framework that encompasses interconnected psychological, social, physical, and economic aspects. It can be assessed through precise indicators that reflect the extent of the impact on parents, such as emotional well-being, which can be shaken under the weight of pressures, parental roles that require constant adaptation, family interaction that can undergo radical transformations, and the support provided in caring for these children who face the challenges of disability. In this study, we seek to analyze this impact in depth and explore its various dimensions on the quality of life of parents. Our analysis is not limited to observing the impact, but extends to examining the close relationship between this impact and the sex of the parents, asking: Does the degree of impact differ between mothers and fathers? Do mothers bear a heavier burden in the face of the challenges of ASD in their children? Answering these questions requires us to delve into the nature of each parent’s social and cultural roles and analyze the extent of their impact on their ability to adapt to this new reality.