Impact of employee benefits on families with children with autism spectrum disorders.
The objectives of this study are to evaluate the employee benefits parents of children with autism spectrum disorders have, how benefits are used, work change, and job satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional mailed survey study of 435 families with children with autism spectrum disorders residing in the United States. We received 161 surveys for a response rate of 37%. Families reported using the following benefits: 39% paid family leave, 19% unpaid family leave, 91% flexible work arrangements, and 86% telecommuting. Of respondents, 43% reported stopping work, cutting down on hours worked, or changing jobs because of their child's condition. Having paid family leave was a positive predictor for job satisfaction. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders have an interest and need for alternative work arrangements.
Cambridge Health Alliance, USA.
Sangeeth
S
Gnanasekaran
University of Massachusetts Memorial Children's Medical Center, USA.
Roula
R
Choueiri
MassGeneral Hospital for Children, USA Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.
Ann
A
Neumeyer
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, USA.
Ogheneochuko
O
Ajari
Massachusetts General Hospital, USA.
Amy
A
Shui
MassGeneral Hospital for Children, USA Massachusetts General Hospital, USA kkuhlthau@partners.org.
Karen
K
Kuhlthau
D000293:Adolescent; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D010563:Personnel Turnover / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013685:Telecommunications; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
autism spectrum disorders; family functioning and support; policy