Employment and well-being among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Methods: We used the 2016–2018 National Survey of Children’s Health to assess restricted work participation among caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and special health care needs (SHCN). Results: Caregivers of children with ASD (N = 2,041) were especially likely to avoid changing jobs to keep health insurance coverage (20%; 95% CI: 16%, 24%), compared to either caregivers of children with other SHCN (N = 18,189) or children without SHCN (N = 68,499). Conclusion: Identifying effective strategies to mitigate the effects of a child’s ASD diagnosis on parents’ withdrawal from the workforce would add an important piece to comprehensive, family-centered care for this at-risk population.