Families of Young Children With Autism

At the current time, there is increasing recognition of the need for services for children on the autistic spectrum. While this remains critical, it is also important for professionals to recognize the reciprocal relationship between family functioning and the outcome of services for children. An understanding of the range of stressors on the family system, family values, culture, and priorities can help shape intervention goals. This article reviews the impact of this diagnosis on the entire family system and the utilization of the family perspective to address some of the complex needs of both children and their families.