Comparison of Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life Between Compound Caregivers and Those with One Adult Child with Autism

The current study examined differences in caregiver burden and quality of life between compound caregivers (those who are providing care for more than one person) and noncompound caregivers (those caring for a single adult with autism). A national sample of 320 parents (50+) of an adult child (18+) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder was divided into two groups: compound caregivers (n = 108) and noncompound caregivers (n= 212). Most compound caregivers were providing care for another child, with 30 reporting they were caring for their parents. A negative correlation was found between caregiver burden and quality of life. While caregiver burden was greater for compound caregivers, quality of life was similar for both groups of caregivers. Compound caregivers experienced greater developmental burden, but less financial burden than noncompound caregivers. Specific attention should be directed at developing mechanisms to support family caregivers to offset caregiver burden that increases when caring for additional loved ones.