OBJECTIVES: Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) affects perception, abilities, and social behavior among pediatrics, imposing dynamic burden on caregivers. This review aims to assess the social and economic burden on the caregivers of children with ASD in Europe.

METHODS: The review was conducted as per PRISMA. PubMed and Embase databases were searched and supplemented with bibliographic searches.

RESULTS: Overall, 13 citations were included. Different dimensions of caregiver-burden were assessed using scales viz., Carer-related quality-of-life (CarerQoL), Role of the Father Questionnaire (ROFQ), and Parent’s QoL. CarerQoL mean utility and happiness scores were 77.33 and 7.56, respectively. Majorly, 84% of primary caregivers reported problematic relationships with care-recipients, however 96% reported deriving a sense of fulfillment while caring for them. Moderate-to-high levels of stress were observed among caregivers of children with ASD, along with significant impact on physical (51%) and mental health (46%). The challenging behavior of children with ASD was positively correlated (0.35) with father’s burden (p<0.01), as per ROFQ. Compared to fathers, mothers of children with ASD were less likely to engage in full-time employment (79% vs. 11%, p<0.001). Parents accounted for 67% of the societal costs indicating a significant economic burden compared to state. The annual mean Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) expenditure was €9,489.60 per-family and varied as per disease severity. Families with children of level 2 and 3 ASD severity had €3,100.48 and €4,396.64 more OOP expenditure, respectively than the families with children of level 1 severity. Health services costs rose by €213 as child grew old by one-year. Lack of professional intervention and reduced family income due to COVID-19 restrictions further exacerbated the caregiver burden.