Caregiving is a complex process that requires a lot of emotional and economic investment. In Indian context, caregiving is majorly earmarked for women, resulting in them juggling between multiple responsibilities. Having a disabled child elevates the burden of a caregiver, and it is especially so when it comes to taking care of a child with autism. As autism is often considered as an invisible developmental disability that affects the capability to communicate, interact and reciprocate, caregiving a child with autism demands more effort and time. Studies report that maternal caregivers of children with autism suffer from depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. The marital satisfaction of these mothers are found to be low as the demands of caregiving a child with autism have ripples effects on their marital quality. This book is on the Marital Satisfaction Scale developed by the authors in measuring the marital satisfaction of those mothers who are the caregivers of their children with autism.

Akhila Johnson es actualmente profesora ayudante contratada en el Departamento de Sociología del Mar Athanasius College, Kothamangalam, Kerala. Dr. S. Sampath Kumar es profesor y director del Departamento de Sociología y Estudios de Población de la Universidad de Bharathiar, Coimbatore. Sus temas de investigación son los estudios de género, la sociología de la salud, etc.