Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Intervention and Family Supports

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by communication and social impairments, and restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Children with autism also often engage in challenging behaviors such as tantrumming, elopement (e.g., leaving a designated area without adult supervision), aggression, and self-injury (Baghdadli et al., Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 47:622–627; Conroy et al., Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 25:157–166; Horner et al., Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 32:423–446). These core deficits represent a significant disability affecting child development, but also present unique and persistent challenges to the child’s parents and other family members.