LAUSR

BACKGROUND Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been shown to have unique mental health vulnerabilities that community support may buffer. Positive caregiver mental health can stimulate family resilience behaviors, such as strong communication and problem-solving. Further, community support has been found to be related to caregiver mental health, as well as improved child functioning. The current study aimed to investigate caregiver mental health as a mediator between community support and family resilience in families of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. METHODS Data obtained from caregivers of 654 children with a reported diagnosis of ASD were utilized from the 2016 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) public database. RESULTS Community support was positively correlated with family resilience and caregiver mental health. Bivariate correlations indicated significant positive associations between community support and family resilience. Caregiver mental health significantly partially mediated the relationship between community support and family resilience. CONCLUSIONS The present study provided important insight into fostering caregiver health as a strategy to promote family resilience behaviors. Interventions designed to address family resilience behaviors among families of children with ASD should focus on ways in which to positively impact caregiver mental health.