EMOTIONAL BURNOUT IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) AND THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT FACTORS

Abstract

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant emotional and physical burdens due to daily caregiving responsibilities, behavioral challenges, and the child’s social adaptation. When these demands persist over time, they can lead to emotional burnout in parents. Emotional burnout is characterized by the gradual depletion of psychological and physical energy, emotional detachment from the child, and feelings of inadequacy and inefficiency. Research indicates that informational support and professional consultations reduce parents’ sense of helplessness regarding the diagnosis and guide them toward more proactive intervention strategies. At the same time, the availability of instrumental support acts as a protective factor, helping to preserve parents’ physical and emotional resources and prevent chronic fatigue and burnout. Parents with higher emotional resilience demonstrate greater tolerance toward the child’s specific behaviors and contribute to creating a psychologically safe family environment. The presence of social networks and community support reduces the risk of social isolation and facilitates parents’ integration into society.