Question
What challenges do family caregivers of adult children with autism face?
Answer
Family caregivers, as noted by Marsack & Perry (2018), Marsack-Topolewski (2020), and Marsack-Topolewski & Wilson (2021), encounter multifaceted day-to-day challenges. These challenges, which include physical and emotional aspects, contribute to the complex caregiving landscape. The physical strain experienced by family caregivers, particularly those in their seventies engaged in demanding tasks like lifting, is a critical concern. Occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing practical solutions and recommendations, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between social workers and OTPs. This collaboration ensures a holistic approach to caregiving support, addressing the immediate physical challenges and the emotional well-being of family caregivers.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course Aging Caregivers: What To Know And How To Best Provide Support by Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD, MSW, LMSW.
