Enhancing the quality of life of mothers of children with intellectual disabilities or Autism: The role of disability-specific support

Background: A holistic approach considering the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of living with a disability is essential for developing effective support systems, policies, and interventions. The quality of life of individuals with disabilities is interrelated with the well-being of their families making family quality of life (FQOL) a crucial aspect of study. Aims: This study explores the effects of support on FQOL among Saudi Arabian families with children diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or autism, from the perspectives of 269 mothers. Methods and procedures: Through a survey, we examined how disability-related support correlates with FQOL, emphasizing the need for personalized support systems. We employed multiple regression analysis to assess the impact of various factors on FQOL, including the type and severity of disability, family income, and marital status. Outcomes and Results: The findings revealed that disability-related support is a significant predictor of FQOL, highlighting its critical role in enhancing the well-being of families. Conclusions and implications: This study contributes to the scarce regional literature, and underscores the importance of inclusive social policies tailored to the diverse needs of families with disabilities.