Employment and well-being among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT We used the 2016–2018 National Survey of Children’s Health to assess restricted work participation among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and special health care needs (SHCN). Caregivers of children with ASD (N = 2,041) were especially likely to avoid changing jobs to keep health insurance coverage (20%; 95% CI: 16%, 24%), compared to either caregivers of children with other SHCN (N = 18,189) or children without SHCN (N = 68,499). Identifying effective strategies to mitigate the effects of a child’s ASD diagnosis on parents’ withdrawal from the workforce would add an important piece to comprehensive, family-centered care for this at-risk population.