| Title: |
Systematic Review of Measures and Interventions for Caregiver Adjustment to Child Autism Diagnosis |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Elysha Clark-Whitney (ORCID 0000-0003-2828-7202); Lucy A. Tully (ORCID 0000-0002-2066-7609); Adrienne I. Turnell (ORCID 0009-0005-7952-5313); Bridie E. Leonard; Erika C. Moelle (ORCID 0009-0005-8589-6348); Mark R. Dadds (ORCID 0000-0002-2900-1715) |
| Source: |
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(4):866-883. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
18 |
| Publication Date: |
2026 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: |
Caregiver Child Relationship; Clinical Diagnosis; Intervention; Caregiver Attitudes; Psychological Patterns; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Measures (Individuals); Psychometrics; Attitudes toward Disabilities; Disability Identification |
| DOI: |
10.1177/13623613251407305 |
| ISSN: |
1362-3613; 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: |
Caregivers' adjustment to their child's autism diagnosis has important implications for child and caregiver outcomes. However, there has been substantial variability in definitions and measurement of caregiver adjustment to autism diagnosis. This study reports a systematic review of measures of caregivers' adjustment to their child's autism diagnosis, and the effectiveness of intervention for caregiver adjustment. A systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42023463196) was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Adjustment was defined as caregivers' psychological response to their child's autism diagnosis. Database searches yielded 6345 unique articles, which were title and abstract screened. Full text screening was completed for 428 articles. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to assess study quality. The review identified 78 articles, which included 42 measures of adjustment and eight interventions targeting adjustment, four of which produced significant improvement in adjustment. Study quality was mostly adequate. The review identified a need for consensus on defining and measuring caregiver adjustment. The review also identified the need for fathers, caregivers who are autistic, and caregivers of adults to be more included in adjustment research. There is preliminary evidence for interventions supporting adjustment, but further research is needed. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2026 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1500988 |
| Database: |
ERIC |