Little research examines well-being in caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities (DDs) during their child's adulthood. Drawing from a longitudinal cohort of caregivers of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other DDs (n = 134), this study examined change in caregiver well-being over ten years (young adults ages 18-28) and predictors of well-being, such as coping. Lower caregiver education and high young adult externalizing symptoms were related to lower caregiver well-being. Notably, caregiver coping style predicted degree of change in well-being over time. Effects of coping were moderated by demographic (i.e., parental education) and young adult characteristics (i.e., externalizing symptoms). In line with strengths-based approaches, these results illustrate the importance of coping styles in promoting caregiver well-being.

Autistic people and people with other developmental disabilities (DD) are at high likelihood for anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect adult life. Therefore, this study sought to understand temporal links between anxiety and depression over time in autistic adults and adults with DDs, and how these conditions impact specific aspects of positive well-being. A sample of 130 adults with autism or other DDs and their caregivers were drawn from a longitudinal study. Participants complete measures of anxiety (Adult Manifest Anxiety Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory, 2nd Edition), and well-being (Scales of Psychological Well-Being). Cross-lagged panel analyses revealed significant autoregressive effects for anxiety and depressive symptoms over time, based on both caregiver and self-report (all p < 0.01). Additionally, although findings differed across reporter, cross-lagged links between anxiety and depression emerged over time. Based on caregiver-report, anxiety symptoms predicted later depressive symptoms (p = 0.002) but depressive symptoms did not predict later anxiety (p = 0.10); the opposite pattern was identified for self-report. Aspects of positive well-being (purpose in life, self-acceptance, personal growth) demonstrated differential links with anxiety and depression (p = 0.001-0.53). These findings highlight the utility of a transdiagnostic approach to mental health services for autistic adults and adults with DDs, and the need to monitor for anxious or depressive symptoms in autistic adults and adults with DDs presenting with depression or anxiety, respectively. Lay SummaryAutistic people and people with DDs often experience mental health challenges. This study highlights the connections between anxiety, depression, and well-being among autistic adults and adults with DDs. These results suggest there is a need for treatment approaches that target commonalities across multiple mental health conditions in autistic adults and adults with DDs.