The family context of autism spectrum disorders: influence on the behavioral phenotype and quality of life.
This article reports the findings from a longitudinal program of research examining the bidirectional influences of the family environment on the behavioral phenotype of autism, and describes a newly developed family psychoeducation program, titled Transitioning Together, designed to reduce family stress, address behavior problems, and improve the overall quality of life of adolescents with autism and their families. A case study is presented that illustrates how Transitioning Together helps reduce family stress and improve the overall quality of the family environment. The article concludes with a discussion of directions for future research on best practices in working with families of children, adolescents, and adults with autism.
Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, USA.
Leann E
LE
Smith
Jan S
JS
Greenberg
Marsha R
MR
Mailick
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D019260:Expressed Emotion; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D010641:Phenotype; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology
Autism spectrum disorders; Expressed emotion; Family; Psychoeducation; Stress