Factors of families resilience in children with autism spectrum disorder: a latent profile analysis

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to explore distinct profiles of family resilience in a sample of Chinese families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Moreover, we identified socio-demographic predictors of these latent profiles. METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 229 children (74.4% boys) diagnosed with ASD from maternity and child healthcare hospitals and comprehensive hospitals in three cities (Shenzhen, Xiamen and Tianyang), China. The socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and the Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS) were complicated by parents (229) of children with ASD. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify and describe profiles of family resilience. Multinomial logistic regression was then performed to identify significant predictors. RESULTS: Three profiles were found after LPA [low family resilience (28.3%), moderate family resilience (41.9%), and high family resilience (29.7%)]. Multinomial logistic regression revealed the severity of illness, cost of treatment and father employment status were significant factors predicted family resilience. CONCLUSION: We found that most of the families with children affected by ASD had low or moderate family resilience. Family resilience profiles were predicted by socio-demographic characteristics which included the severity of illness, cost of treatment and father employment status. Intervention is suggested to higher the level of family resilience.