Self-Assessed Health in Caregivers of Persons With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Associations With Depressive Symptoms, Positive Cognitions, Resourcefulness, and Well-Being

PURPOSE: Caregiving for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can affect family caregivers' self-assessed health. The purpose of this study was to determine whether depressive symptoms, positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being will differ significantly among those who rated their health as fair, good, or excellent. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of 109 ASD caregivers who were recruited from the Interactive ASD Network. FINDINGS: Depression was significantly lower among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair. Positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being were significantly higher among those who rated their health as excellent than among those who rated their health as fair. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Interventions to enhance caregivers' positive cognitions, resourcefulness, and well-being are recommended.