Caregiver and self perception of quality of life in children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ObjectivesEmotional and social impairments associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impact children's quality of life (QoL). A co-occurring diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may worsen perceptions of QoL. This study assessed QoL in children with ASD and ASD/ADHD using self-reports and caregiver proxy-reports.MethodsChildren and caregivers were invited to complete the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) survey during outpatient therapy between 1/1/2015 and 12/31/2016.Results1094 surveys were included in the analysis. Self-reports represented 18.2% of sample (n = 92 ASD, n = 107 ASD/ADHD) while proxy-reports made up the majority (81.8%) (n = 687 ASD, n = 208 ASD/ADHD). Children with ASD and combined ASD/ADHD reported similar QoL scores, 64.4 vs. 62.8. Caregiver proxy-reported scores were significantly lower by diagnosis, 60.3 in ASD vs. 55.3 in ASD/ADHD.ConclusionsThis study highlights the influence of combined ASD and ADHD on child and caregiver perceived QoL, emphasizing the importance of considering both perspectives.