Quality of Life and ASD: Targeting Hard-to-Reach Groups in BC

Grace Iarocci, Ph.D., R. Psych.

Between 2012 and 2015, Drs. Iarocci and Gardiner examined quality of life among families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in British Columbia (BC). In total, one hundred and sixty caregivers participated in surveys over the phone and online, and a smaller subset of 15 family members participated in in-depth, follow-up interviews. The goal of this research was to gain a better understanding of families’ experiences, and to determine how various risk and protective factors related to family quality of life (FQOL) in this unique population.

The overall purpose of this project is to follow up and expand upon our very successful initial survey and qualitative analysis that investigated quality of life among families caring for a child with ASD in the province of BC. Specifically, we aim to target hard-to-reach (e.g., specific cultural/linguistic communities) and vulnerable families (e.g., single parent, refugees, immigrants) across the province, so we can make targeted recommendations for practice and policy improvement.

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