Social Work in Mental Health : Critical Transitions in the Lives of Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorders (janvier 2009)

Numéros spéciaux

Le Journal Social Work in Mental Health propose un dossier spécial sur les transitions dans la vie des jeunes personnes avec autisme dans son numéro de janvier 2009.

1. Lurie A, Gurian A. Introduction to Special Issue. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):1-8.

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2. London E. A Conversation With Dr. Eric London. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):9-22.

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3. Bloch JS, Weinstein JD. Families of Young Children With Autism. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):23-40.

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.

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4. Ferraioli SJ, Harris SL. The Impact of Autism on Siblings. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):41-53.

We have summarized the research on the impact of the behavior a brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on typically developing siblings across the life cycle. The siblings’ cognitive development and emotional/affective development influence how they perceive and interpret the behavior of the child with an ASD. Similarly, the intellectual ability, behavior, and degree of interpersonal access of the child with ASD impacts the relationship between the two children, as does the response of parents to the needs of all the children in the family. These challenges continue into adulthood with the typically developing brother or sister often feeling an ongoing sense of responsibility for the welfare of the sibling with ASD. The majority of siblings of children with ASDs function well as children, adolescents, and adults.

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5. Kring SR, Greenberg JS, Seltzer MM. The Impact of Health Problems on Behavior Problems in Adolescents and Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorders : Implications for Maternal Burden. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):54-71.

Recent research on individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) highlights that they may be at increased risk for health problems when compared to the general population, and that these differences appear to increase with age. Relatively little research has examined the psychosocial impact of poorer health in this population, even though the clinical literature suggests that health problems put individuals with ASD at risk for elevated behavioral problems and their mothers at risk for elevated caregiving burden. This study examined the associations of physical health and behavior problems, as well as the associations of these factors with maternal burden, using longitudinal data. Results indicated that prior ratings of physical health problems predicted subsequent levels of behavior problems. Further, behavior problems partially mediated the effect of health problems on maternal burden. Implications for policies and interventions that focus on health promotion in conjunction with treatment of behavior problems are discussed, along with directions for future research.

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6. Nichols S, Blakeley-Smith A. “I’m Not Sure We’re Ready for This …” : Working With Families Toward Facilitating Healthy Sexuality for Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):72-91.

Navigating adolescence can be extremely difficult, especially for teens who are also dealing with the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Adolescence can also be a difficult time period for parents who struggle to know how best to support their teen. The present study aimed to (a) acquire information via focus groups about the concerns and service needs of parents regarding the sexuality development of their youth with ASDs and (b) evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week parent sexuality-education curriculum. Themes that emerged from the parent focus groups are discussed along with outcomes from the parent education curriculum.

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7. Geller LL, Greenberg M. Managing the Transition Process From High School to College and Beyond : Challenges for Individuals, Families, and Society. Social Work in Mental Health ;2009 (2009/12/11) ;8(1):92-116.

Transition to adulthood represents a significant challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. With the increase in diagnosis and appropriate treatment at younger ages, more adolescents on the spectrum have the potential for independent adult lives, including work and college. Yet our support systems have been slow to respond to the needs of individuals with typical dreams and aspirations but atypical development. This article addresses the challenges of the transition to adulthood from multiple perspectives and provides a framework for individuals, families, and supporting professionals to anticipate challenges and develop positive solutions.

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