Resilience in Families of Autistic Children and Children With Intellectual Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Elizaveta Dimitrova*, Athanasia Kouroupa, Vasiliki Totsika

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Resilience in families of autistic children and children with intellectual disability is associated with factors such as family functioning, social support, and financial strain. Little is known about family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic when many resources were limited. This study examined the association of family resilience with child characteristics, family resources, and socioecological factors during the pandemic. Data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from 734 United Kingdom parents/caregivers of children who are autistic and/or have intellectual disability were analyzed using path analysis. Greater family resilience was significantly associated with fewer child behavior problems, absence of intellectual disability, higher financial status, and greater family functioning, though not school support. These factors might guide future research and practices to support vulnerable families at risk of low resilience.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-40
Number of pages17
JournalAmerican Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Volume130
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2025
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • autism spectrum disorder
  • behavioral problems
  • children
  • COVID-19
  • family
  • intellectual disability
  • resilience

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