SynthesisAutism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research2026
Quality of Life in Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patients and Caregivers.
Synthesis in Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
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Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
12 authors.
Funding
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition associated with significant challenges in daily functioning and well-being. Caregivers often experience substantial psychological and physical burden. However, comprehensive synthesis of quality of life (QoL) outcomes for both individuals with ASD and their caregivers remains limited. This study evaluated QoL in individuals with ASD and their caregivers and examined key psychological, social, and economic determinants. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42024538872). PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, and preprint repositories were searched for studies published between January 2013 and July 2025. Eligible studies assessed QoL using validated instruments in individuals with ASD aged ≤ 19 years and/or their caregivers. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled mean differences. Of 14,368 records identified, 216 studies were included. Quantitative meta-analyses included up to 173 studies, depending on the outcome and availability of comparable data. Individuals with ASD scored 21.7 points lower than peers (95% CI: -26.9 to -16.5; p < 0.0001). Caregivers scored 13.64 points lower than controls (95% CI: -19.21 to -8.06; p < 0.0001). Emotional and social domains were most affected. Higher Human Development Index was associated with better QoL. QoL is markedly reduced in individuals with ASD and their caregivers, underscoring the need for multidimensional and equitable interventions.
Indexed as
Identifiers
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.