Predictors of the health-related quality of life in preschool children with Autism spectrum disorders

This study was aimed to identify the predictors of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by considering the caregiver's characteristics such as mental health and parenting stress as well as child characteristics in preschool children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A total of 106 children aged 36-70 months participated in this study. The study indicated that the predictors of HRQOL in children with ASD encompassed not only child but also caregiver characteristics. In particular, good HRQOL on the domains of social and emotional functioning in children with ASD depended upon the caregiver's mental well-being. In summary, the present findings highlight the need for assessment of caregivers' parenting stress and their mental status as well as the predictors of HRQOL in children with ASD. Furthermore, the findings of the study could serve as a guide for clinicians to target at the predictors when providing assessment and intervention for children with ASD to improve their HRQOL. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.