Mental Health of Caregivers of Adults With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

BACKGROUND: As individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities transition to adulthood, the experiences of their caregivers change, and caregivers' roles may be different from when their children were young. During this transitional period, there are few integrated supports for caregivers, which can affect their mental health. METHODS: Using a sample of caregivers (N = 106), this study aimed to identify protective and risk factors of caregiver mental health outcomes including the behavioural characteristics of their adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities (at age 18), sociodemographic, and psychosocial factors in a well-characterised longitudinal sample. RESULTS: Sociodemographic factors and psychosocial characteristics, and not characteristics of their adult children, are robust predictors of caregiver mental health during middle age (mean age = 56.81, SD = 5.39). CONCLUSION: We discuss important formal and natural supports that can work together to promote caregivers' mental health as their children transition to adulthood.