Impact of employee benefits on families with children with autism spectrum disorders
Gnanasekaran, Sangeeth ; Choueiri, Roula N. ; Neumeyer, Ann ; Ajari, Ogheneochuko ; Shui, Amy ; Kuhlthau, Karen
Citations
Student Authors
Faculty Advisor
Academic Program
UMass Chan Affiliations
Document Type
Publication Date
Subject Area
Embargo Expiration Date
Link to Full Text
Abstract
The objectives of this study are to evaluate the employee benefits parents of children with autism spectrum disorders have, how benefits are used, work change, and job satisfaction. We conducted a cross-sectional mailed survey study of 435 families with children with autism spectrum disorders residing in the United States. We received 161 surveys for a response rate of 37%. Families reported using the following benefits: 39% paid family leave, 19% unpaid family leave, 91% flexible work arrangements, and 86% telecommuting. Of respondents, 43% reported stopping work, cutting down on hours worked, or changing jobs because of their child's condition. Having paid family leave was a positive predictor for job satisfaction. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders have an interest and need for alternative work arrangements.
Source
Autism. 2016 Jul;20(5):616-22. doi: 10.1177/1362361315598891. Epub 2015 Sep 4. Link to article on publisher's site