Caregiving for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities places substantial psychological, physical, and financial demands on families, often resulting in heightened caregiver burden. The present study examines the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on caregiver burden among parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Cerebral Palsy (CP), two conditions characterized by chronic care needs but differing in behavioural and physical dependency profiles. Using a comparative cross-sectional design, the study assessed 50 primary caregivers (25 parents of children with ASD and 25 parents of children with CP) recruited from special schools and therapy centres in Varanasi, India. Socioeconomic status was measured using the Kuppuswamy Socioeconomic Status Scale, while caregiver burden was assessed through the Burden Assessment Schedule developed by the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), India.

Findings revealed a statistically significant difference in caregiver burden between the two groups, with parents of children with ASD reporting higher levels of burden than parents of children with CP. Additionally, socioeconomic status emerged as a strong predictor of caregiver burden, with caregivers from lower SES backgrounds experiencing significantly greater burden compared to those from middle and higher SES groups. The results highlight the compounding effects of financial strain, limited access to healthcare services, and inadequate social support on caregiver well-being. Behavioural challenges, long-term rehabilitation needs, and uncertainty regarding the child’s future further intensified caregiver stress.