Autism Therapy: family therapy

definition of family therapy: not yet defined.

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Parental Stress Associated with Caring for Children with Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism
Pediatrics International, by Mori, K., Ujiie T., Smith A., and Howlin P., published in 2009, summarized Mar 25, 2010

Family therapy such as stress management, problem solving training, and supportive counseling may help parents manage the stress associated with autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

The aim of this study was to describe the stress of parents caring for children with Asperger’s syndrome and compare it to the stress of parents caring for children with autism. The study had 238 autism families and 38 Asperger’s syndrome families in Japan. The study found that while both groups of parents were stressed, more parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome (67%) were highly stressed than were parents of children with autism (57%). The study found that the parent’s stress was not related to the child’s IQ. The increased stress in parents of children with Asperger’s syndrome was believed to be due to a longer process and therefore delay in diagnosis as well as fewer support options.


A Study of the Relationships and Acknowledgment of Non-disabled Children with Disabled Siblings
Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, by Aksoy, AB, and Yildririm Bercin G., published in 2008, summarized Feb 17, 2010

Family therapy may help siblings of children with autism to have a better attitude toward their sibling.

Healthy children (228 children 10 to 17 years old) were asked about their attitudes toward children with disabilities, including their own brother or sister. This study was performed in Turkey. Disabilities included autism, learning disability, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, motor retardation, and Down syndrome. The authors said that healthy children had a more positive attitude toward their own brother or sister than toward other children with disabilities. Healthy children have more negative attitudes toward their siblings when they have lower abilities. The authors think that educating siblings of disabled children may help the family develop more positive relationships.


Autism Spectrum Disorders in Young Children
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, by de Martinez-Peraza, F. L., and Carter AS, published in 2009, summarized Feb 12, 2010

Early diagnosis of autism may lead to effective early intervention.

This review article gives an overview of diagnosis, testing, and therapy options for children with autism. Details focus on children with autism or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autism may be diagnosed based on problems with social interactions and communication. A child with autism also may have repetitive behaviors. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine autism screening between 18 to 24 months of age. Early intervention therapy may be designed to offer the best chance for learning at each stage of development. The authors suggest that physicians monitor younger brothers and sisters of children with autism for symptoms of autism. Therapists and physicians may also consider that parents face more stress when faced with an autism diagnosis for their child and suggest family therapy for the parents.


The Impact of Children with High-Functioning Autism on Parental Stress, Sibling Adjustment, and Family Functioning
Behavior Modification, by Rao, PA, and Beidel DC, published in 2009, summarized Feb 8, 2010

Family therapy may help with the stress that comes from parenting a child with high-functioning autism.

This study included parents of 15 children with high-functioning autism and parents of 15 matched normally-developing children (controls). The children were 8 to 15 years old. Parents of children with autism scored higher on the Parenting Stress Index scale than controls. There were more internalizing behaviors (for example, keeping feelings in) for children with autism and their siblings than in control families. The families of children with autism rated their own family members lower on a scale of independence and assertiveness than the control families. The authors said that parents of children with high-functioning autism may face more stress than parents of normally-developing children. Family functioning may also be strained. They suggested that autism interventions include family therapy designed to lower parental stress.


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The Help Group Provides Therapies for Autism from Pre-School Through High School

Apr 23, 2010

The Help Group started in 1975 as a small organization helping children with autism and other developmental disorders. It now oversees day schools, residential facilities, and therapy options that serve thousands of children from pre-school through high school. The Help Group believes strongly in early diagnosis and intervention. Their offerings include Kids Like Me, which is a summer camp that teaches all ages “to read body language and listen for voice inflections as well as teach them skills on how to make friends and say goodbye.” Project Six is a residential program structured for 13 to 18 year olds and offers family therapy, social skills training, and individual and group counseling. The Bridgeport School facility offers life skills and transition instruction for young adults through the age of 21 as they enter the job market.

Read original article: The Help Group Started Small But Now Serves Thousands in San Fernando Valley and Beyond


Family Voices Helps North Dakota Parents Navigate Autism Therapies

Mar 25, 2009

Family Voices of North Dakota recently received a national award and financing that will allow them to increase resources they offer parents of children with autism. Director Donene Feist explains that Family Voices is a one-stop-shop for special needs support - everything from Web resources to speech therapy. Family Voices is a national organization dedicated to "family-centered care for all children and youth with special health care needs and/or disabilities."

Read original article.


Parent's Involvement Key in IMTI Therapy

Jan 22, 2008

The Zealands first became aware of Intensive Multi-Treatment Intervention (IMTI) when their son was diagnosed with autism. The IMTI program draws from best-practice treatments and research. They found the 3-prong approach - biological, behavioral, and cognitive - to be what best suited their situation. IMTI, for the Zealands involved dietary changes, family therapy, increased gross and fine motor skills, and socialization.

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    • Synonyms for family therapy include: family-based treatment, family-centered care, family-centered therapy
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