Medical and social challenges in the management of children with autism spectrum disorders: the impact of somatic comorbidity on caregivers’ quality of life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15574/SP.2025.6(150).3439Keywords:
autism spectrum disorders, functional gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, quality of life, comorbidity, medical and social challengesAbstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are frequently accompanied by somatic comorbidities, among which functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and obesity have particular clinical significance. These conditions can exacerbate behavioral and metabolic disturbances in children, creating medical and social challenges that intensify the burden on families. Assessing caregivers’ quality of life (QoL) is an important integrative indicator reflecting the impact of the child’s medical problems on the psychological and social functioning of the family.
Aim - to evaluate the impact of somatic comorbidities (FGIDs and obesity) in children with ASD on caregivers’ QoL.
Materials and methods. The study included 156 children divided into three groups: group 1 - 88 children with ASD and FGIDs; group 2 - 38 children with ASD, FGIDs, and obesity; group 3 - 30 children with isolated ASD, along with their caregivers. Caregivers’ QoL was assessed using the international Development of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA), designed for parents of children aged 2-18 years with ASD, and consisting of two parts (assessment of general and specific QoL).
Results. Caregivers of children in the group 2 demonstrated the lowest general and specific QoL scores according to the QoLA. The most pronounced impairments were observed in emotional well-being, social support, and communication. A stable association was identified between the severity of ASD symptoms and caregivers’ QoL in children with somatic comorbidities.
Conclusions. Medical and social challenges in caring for children with ASD were identified, manifested by increased psychological burden, reduced social activity, and diminished family resources. The greatest impact of somatic comorbidity on QoL was observed among caregivers of children with ASD and additional somatic conditions, reflecting a multifactorial negative effect and underscoring the need for comprehensive support.
The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the paper. Informed consent was obtained from the children's guardians for the study.
The author declares no conflict of interest.
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