Effectiveness of a Person-Centered Lifestyle Intervention in Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Caregivers provide extensive support to individuals with special needs across the lifespan by assisting with daily living activities and health-related needs. In many societies, caregiving is primarily assumed as a family responsibility, and women, particularly mothers, most often undertake the primary caregiving role for children with special needs. Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder frequently devote substantial time and energy to caregiving tasks and to facilitating their children's participation in daily life, which may limit opportunities for self-care, health-promoting activities, rest, and access to healthcare services.

Autism spectrum disorder is a highly heterogeneous condition that requires long-term and multifaceted support across educational, health, and social domains. The continuous caregiving demands associated with autism spectrum disorder place mothers at increased risk for physical strain, psychological distress, reduced quality of life, and disruptions in daily routines. Caregiving is a subjective experience, and the needs and expectations of caregivers of children differ from those caring for adults, highlighting the importance of individualized and context-sensitive interventions.

Most existing interventions for caregivers focus primarily on improving parenting skills or child outcomes, while fewer programs directly target caregiver health and wellbeing. Evidence suggests that interventions incorporating cognitive, behavioral, and educational components may support stress management, problem-solving skills, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. However, no single intervention approach adequately addresses the complex and individualized needs of caregiving mothers.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with a six-month follow-up period to examine the effectiveness of a person-centered lifestyle intervention for mothers who are primary caregivers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group using a computer-assisted randomization process. The intervention consists of eight sessions delivered twice weekly over one month and focuses on individualized goal setting, occupational balance, health-promoting routines, stress management strategies, and meaningful participation in daily activities. The control group will continue their usual daily routines without receiving the intervention during the study period.

Outcomes related to occupational performance and satisfaction, caregiver burden, psychological status, and health-related quality of life will be assessed at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and at six months to evaluate short-term and sustained effects of the intervention. The study adopts a holistic, biopsychosocial, and person-centered approach consistent with occupational therapy practice, with the aim of informing future caregiver-focused interventions in pediatric rehabilitation.

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mother of a child with a medically confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
• Primary caregiver and living with the child
• Age 18 years or older
• Ability to participate in all intervention sessions and assessments

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy or postpartum period
• Having more than one child with a disability
• Participation in a similar lifestyle or caregiver intervention program within the past year
• Presence of a diagnosed severe physical, mental, or psychiatric condition that would interfere with participation