title: Working with families living with autism: potential contributions of marriage and family therapists.
abstract: This article introduces marriage and family therapists (MFT) to some of the common issues faced by families that have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). First, autism is defined and common myths surrounding it are discussed. Next, relational challenges are presented that families report experiencing during early childhood through the elementary school years, adolescence and the transition into adulthood, and the later years of the family life cycle. Real-life stories are included to illustrate the potential contributions that MFTs can make to families that have a child with ASD.
authors: University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. jkneely@coe.ufl.edu
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Neely
authors: Ellen S
authors: ES
authors: Amatea
authors: Silvia
authors: S
authors: Echevarria-Doan
authors: Tina
authors: T
authors: Tannen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004644:Emotions; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult