Occupational Patterns of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Revisiting Matuska and Christiansen's Model of Lifestyle Balance

Abstract

We synthesized selected literature from psychology, neuroscience, occupational therapy, nursing, and other fields regarding parents of children with ASD and utilized Matuska and Christiansen's Model of Lifestyle Balance to organize the literature to present a theoretically grounded and occupation-based picture of the life experiences of parents of children with ASD. In doing so, we discerned a complex relationship among the five dimensions suggested by Matuska and Christiansen, prompting a refinement of their model to address this complexity. Overall, a variety of factors associated with caring for children with ASD have the potential to cause or contribute to negative psychological consequences such as stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as functional limitations and other health problems such as hypertension or diabetes. In order to promote health and general well-being, lifestyle changes to enhance balance may be necessary for many parents of children with ASD.

Keywords:

• Activity patterns
• Autism
• Lifestyle balance
• Parenthood
• Time use
• Family roles

Notes

1. Although we recognize the changing dynamics of family life as more non-traditional caregivers serve in the role of parent, their experiences may be similar but not necessarily the same as biological parents. The majority of literature to date has focused on mothers and fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, we chose to focus our analysis on biological parents based on available evidence. In the future, the experiences of non-traditional caregivers should be further explored, as this group is also likely to be at risk for lifestyle imbalance.

2. For the purposes of this paper, we have used the term children when referring to individuals with ASD, as we specifically investigated issues surrounding the parent-child relationship. The use of this term is not meant to imply that all individuals with ASD are youths. Rather, ASD affects individuals throughout the lifespan, and parents may be required to care for their children well into adulthood.