Predicting the Outcomes of Parents of Transition-Age Youth or Young Adults with ASD

Abstract

The transition outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families are less than desirable. A survey of parent stressors, resources, coping/appraisals, and adaptation to transition was completed by 226 parents. The mediating mechanisms between stressors and parent outcomes were identified. At the indicator level, three stressors (i.e., autism severity, mental health crisis/challenging behaviors, and filial obligation), four resources (i.e., general social support, transition planning quality, parent–teacher alliance, and parenting efficacy), and three coping styles (i.e., problem-focused coping, avoidance-focused coping, and optimism) predicted parents’ outcomes (i.e., burden, transition experience, subjective health, and quality of life). At the structural level, optimism, emotion-coping strategies, and resources mediated the relationships between stressors and parental outcomes. Research and practical applications are discussed.