Abstract: Family stress and adjustment as perceived by parents of children with autism or Down Syndrome: Implications for intervention.

[Guest guest]

Like this is a big surprise. But if your child has the dual dx, and you

need extra support, perhaps this will a) help you advocate for it and

remind you to be kind to yourself.

j

, L; , Sam B.

Family stress and adjustment as perceived by parents of children with

autism or Down Syndrome: Implications for intervention.

Child & Family Behavior Therapy. Vol 19(4), 1997, 15-32.

Abstract

This study examined stress and adjustment in parents of three groups of

families: those with an autistic child, those with a Down syndrome child,

and those with only developmentally normal children. A total of 54 families

participated, with 18 representing each group. Parents of autistic children

generally reported more family stress and adjustment problems than parents

of children with Down Syndrome who, in turn, reported more stress and

adjustment problems than parents of developmentally normal children.

Although parents of disabled children reported more stress associated with

caring for their child, they generally showed resilience in adjusting to

the presence of a severely disabled family member. Implications for family

intervention are discussed.

(© 1997 APA/PsycINFO, all rights reserved)