Socioeconomic status and the perceived social support in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: the SOLACE-Brasil study

ObjectivesThe socioeconomic status of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can significantly impact the perception of social support. This study aimed to determine the perceived social support in mothers of children with ASD and to identify the sociodemographic variables associated with low perceived social support.MethodsThe SOLACE-Brasil study is a web-based cross-sectional survey that enrolled 1,924 mothers of children with ASD. Data were collected by distributing the online form on social media in a snowball fashion. Perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).ResultsThe average score for perceived social support was 46.7 +/- 16.3, with 24.9% of respondents reporting low perceived social support. Higher family income was associated with a lower chance of having low social support, independent of other confounding variables (OR: 0.54 95%CI: 0.34-0.85). Additionally, unemployment was independently associated with low social support (OR: 1.49 95%CI: 1.13-1.96). Divorced mothers and those with more than one child with ASD were more likely to report low perceived social support.ConclusionsAssessing socioeconomic status is crucial for improving the perceived social support of families with children with ASD. Governmental policies should guarantee a minimum income and employment programs to support these families.