Meta-Analysis on Family Quality of Life in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Background: The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly affects family quality of life (FQoL), with child age and symptom severity playing key roles. This meta-analysis examines how these factors relate to FQoL. Method: A systematic search was conducted in APA PsycInfo, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, PSICODOC, MEDLINE, and EBSCO databases. Up to 2024, no meta-analyses had examined these variables. Fifteen articles met the inclusion criteria, and their methodological quality was evaluated following PRISMA guidelines. Results: Findings indicate a moderate positive correlation between child age and FQoL, suggesting that FQoL tends to improve as children grow older. Conversely, ASD severity shows a negative but non-significant association with FQoL. Family support and cohesion emerge as crucial influencing factors. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering both ASD characteristics and family psychosocial resources, emphasizing the need for adaptive, family-centered support strategies.