Parents in 16 families of children with autism spectrum disorders or Down syndrome participated in a qualitative study examining family (i.e., all caregivers in the home) belief systems. All families had children who had recently entered elementary school or who were in the early years of high school. As a result of their experiences, families…

The literature on coping with stressful life events and the literature on parental issues related to the birth of a handicapped child suggest that such variables as understanding of the nature, intensity, and duration of parental responses figure prominently in their adjustment to the disability. The development of support programs designed to…

Reviews research on the components and stages of stress in the lives of children, identifying three stages and six categories of stress factors: personal child variables, ecological stressors, socioeconomic status, catastrophes and terrors, family events, and spouse problems. (KS)

Approximately one in four children in the United States is exposed to alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence in the family. Countless other children are living in families in which there is illicit drug abuse. Growing evidence suggests that genetics and environmental factors can predispose children of substance abusing parents to behavioral problems…

Interviews with 102 families of preschool-age children with developmental delays identified 4 subgroups reflecting variations in parents' views of the impact of their child on the family's daily routine. These subgroups, in turn, were related to different domains of family adaptation or accommodation. Utility of the typology for early…

This newsletter issue focuses on collaborating and coordinating services to assist families in stressful situations such as being afflicted with AIDS, being homeless, and experiencing intervention from child protection authorities. The newsletter includes the following articles: (1) "Finding Sources of Public Funding for Your Family Resource…

Suggestions are offered for teachers to help children whose school behavior and performance are being adversely affected by stressful family events. The strategy involves defining the problem, working with the child to develop coping strategies, making appropriate classroom responses, and working with parents. (JDD)

In this paper, an overview of children's psychological processes is presented within the context of adoption, foster care, or other type of placement which requires the child to develop the coping skills necessary to continue toward optimal growth psychologically, cognitively, and socially. Findings from a research review indicate that children…

Now in a fully revised and updated second edition, this widely used text and professional resource provides a practical guide to family-based therapy for childhood emotional and behavioral problems. Presented are innovative assessment and treatment strategies that take into account children's developmental needs, different family forms, health and…

The bibliography is intended to provide practitioners in early intervention programs with information about self-report (by parents) measures as they relate to evaluating family outcomes. Twenty-five measures are described in terms of content, format, reliability, and validity. Sources for obtaining the measures are also identified. Instruments…