title: Factors influencing adjustment in the families of autistic children.
abstract: This study investigated factors influencing the adjustment of families of 49 autistic children (38 boys, 11 girls) to the stress of raising an autistic child. Analysis indicated that the severity of the child's disorder (stress), mother's social support (resources), and mother's perceived locus of control (perception) were significant factors in family adjustment. In addition, evidence suggested that agency affiliation also was an unexpected, yet important factor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St. Louis 63121.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vandenberg
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*