Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Over the years, there has been an increase in the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders display a wide range of abilities, with some functioning at a typical level and others requiring assistance for most of their daily activities. Parents or primary caregivers of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder are at risk of developing mental health issues due to the potential stress associated with this caregiver burden. This research will explore the child characteristics that may be most associated with mental health issues in primary caregivers of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Use of services for mental health issues will be explored in terms of types of services and, where applicable, barriers to services. This information can be used to ensure focus on appropriate services for children and their caregivers. For example, treatment of children should target areas that are found to be related to mental health issues in parents or caregivers. Furthermore, the information gathered through investigating the potential barriers to services can inform policy and procedures in order to make them more accessible to parents and caregivers. it is crucial to ensure that parents and caregivers in need of services for their mental health issues receive these formal social supports.