ERIC Number: EJ1042955
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014-Nov
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
Defining Crisis in Families of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Weiss, Jonathan A.; Wingsiong, Aranda; Lunsky, Yona
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v18 n8 p985-995 Nov 2014
Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often report higher levels of depression, anxiety, and mental health-related issues. The combination of stressors and family adjustment difficulties can cause distress which may develop into a crisis. Understanding crisis in the family is important to mental health practice since it can serve as a guide in delivering service to at-risk families. This study investigated the subjective experience of crisis in 155 mothers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Thematic analysis revealed that crisis is characterized by factors influencing four major areas: demands, internal capabilities, external resources, and subjective appraisal. Understanding what crisis means to families of individuals with autism spectrum disorder can help inform effective preventative and crisis services.
Descriptors: Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Autism, Family Environment, Family Life, Qualitative Research, Mothers, Stress Variables, Crisis Management, Phenomenology, Online Surveys, Family Financial Resources, Social Capital, Emotional Problems, Child Behavior, Burnout, Parent Surveys, Parent Attitudes, Mental Health Programs, Foreign Countries
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A