The role of family quality of life in the caregivers of autistic adolescents receiving treatment for daily living skills.

Adolescence may be a particularly challenging time for autistic teens and their caregivers. Thus, the current study sought to better understand Family Quality of Life (FQOL) in this population. Further, given the impact that daily living skills (DLS) have on the family system, the current study examined whether a DLS intervention impacted FQOL. Fifty-eight adolescents with autism and their caregivers completed the Surviving and Thriving in the Real World (STRW) intervention and caregivers reported on their FQOL using the (FQOL Scale). Results revealed that caregivers who participated in the STRW intervention endorsed significant positive changes on the Family Interaction ( = .02) and Parenting ( = .03) subscales and Overall FQOL ( = .02) from baseline to post-treatment. Further, higher Emotional Well-Being at baseline was the only FQOL variable that was related to increased changes in DLS from baseline to post-treatment (r = .29, = 03). Results suggest that completion of the STRW intervention relates to significant positive changes in FQOL. Further, results suggest that targeting aspects of FQOL, such as emotional well-being, may lead to improved treatment gains in autistic teens.