The Impact of Psychological Well-being on the Quality of Life of Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Special Schools in Luanda Sub-county, Vihiga County

Abstract

Caregivers of children living with autism spectrum disorder are confronted with many obstacles that have an impact on their psychological health and, in turn, their quality of life. This study explores the influence of psychological well-being on quality of life of caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) attending special schools in Luanda Sub-County, Vihiga County. This study adopted the Social-Ecological System Theory to explain how the caregivers of ASD children interact with different contexts as they execute their caregiving responsibilities. The research employed a phenomenal approach and purposive sampling method to select the respondents from special schools in Luanda Sub-County. The tools employed for the study were interview guide and focus group discussions. Data was gathered via videotape recordings and field notes and then transcribed word for word. The objective of the study was to explore how the psychological well-being encompassing aspects such as autonomy, personal growth, and self-acceptance of the caregivers' of children with ASD affects their overall quality of life. The study found out that numerous challenges faced by the caregivers revolve around lack of information and awareness regarding ASD which delayed the diagnosis of ASD. These affected their self- acceptance, autonomy, and personal growth, which in turn influenced their Quality of Life (QOL). The study recommends raising public awareness about ASD, providing caregivers with skills to manage socially unacceptable behaviors, make therapies accessible and affordable for the caregivers, and provide them with support to help them improve their psychosocial well-being and QOL.
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, quality of life, caregivers, psychological well-being, self-acceptance, autonomy, personal growth.