An Unexpected Journey: Guiding Families of Children With ASD Postdiagnosis

Caring for a child with ASD presents a challenging and unexpected journey that permanently alters expectations of the parental role and familial relationships. Faced with unpredictable behavioral outcomes, adaptive functioning, and higher rates of dependency into adulthood, family members often report diminished caregiver self-efficacy, feelings of guilt, and higher rates of mental health disorders. Family-centered and nonpharmacologic interventions can lead to both better psychological outcomes in family members and better developmental outcomes in children with ASD.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Clinical Perspectives 14 Source Type: research