The Effect of Recreational Activities and Education on the Quality of Life of Parents of Individuals with Autism

Sibel TERCAN, Ümmügülsüm EKİNCİ, Erdi KAYA

Abstract


This study investigates the impact of recreational activities on the quality of life of parents raising children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Employing a quantitative correlational design, the research sample consists of 154 parents (133 mothers and 21 fathers) affiliated with the Akdeniz Autism Sports Club Association. Data were collected using a demographic information form and the Quality of Life in Autism – Parent Version Scale (QoLA-PV), adapted into Turkish by Özgür, Eser, and Aksu (2017). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. The findings revealed that parental quality of life was at a moderate level and significantly influenced by family and social pressures, as well as by the perceived behavioral challenges of the child with ASD. A negative, albeit small, but statistically significant correlation was found between the severity of ASD-related difficulties and parental quality of life (r = –.25, p < .01). Furthermore, parents who reported that their child’s ASD condition restricted participation in recreational activities showed lower well-being and higher perceived difficulty levels. The study highlights the critical role of structured recreational engagement in improving the psychosocial resilience of parents and underscores the need for community awareness, inclusive recreational programs, and supportive policies. These findings contribute to the limited literature on autism and recreation by emphasizing the multidimensional benefits of leisure activities for families affected by ASD.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Leisure Participation, Recreation, Parental Well-being, Quality of Life.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.53016/jerp.v6i1.286

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