Grief Intervention Program for Caregivers to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Randomized Preliminary Trial

Abstract

The aim of this study was to adapt and deliver a grief intervention program for family caregivers of individuals with ASD and assess its effectiveness in improving grief symptoms, distress, and emotional well-being. The intervention was adapted from Shear and Bloom’s grief intervention program. The characteristics of the symptoms, along with uncertainty about how the disorder will progress, contribute to the cyclical nature of this grief. A total of 28 family caregivers of individuals with ASD took part. A series of self-report measures were used to assess grief, overload, resilience, post-traumatic growth, experiential avoidance, perceived health, and the benefits of caregiving. Findings indicate this program is effective in improving grief symptoms, overload, resilience, post-traumatic growth, and the quality of life of these caregivers. It is essential to develop and deliver interventions that address the feelings and manifestations of ambiguous grief in this type of caregiver, as there are currently no programs providing an effective response to this issue.