Walden University Autism Impact on Family Functioning

There are multiple types of exceptionalities with some being more severe than others. For example, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy are types of exceptionalities that affect the cognitive, behavioral, and physical functioning of a child or adolescent. Children and adolescents with learning disorders and pervasive disorders such as autism or Asperger’s disorder may have difficulty with social interactions and often require academic remediation. No matter the exceptionality, it can have a dramatic impact on family functioning. For example, stress levels can increase between spouses, the physical demands of caring for children and adolescents with exceptionalities can be exhausting, and managing difficult behaviors of a child or adolescent can take a toll on all members of a family. Parents may feel guilt, remorse, sadness, and grief over having a child with an exceptionality.

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If you plan to work with children or adolescents with exceptionalities, you must have a firm understanding of the various types of exceptionalities so you can understand the needs of the child and adolescent. It also provides you an understanding of the needs of the family so you can develop and implement effective interventions. Keep in mind when working with parents of children with exceptionalities, that while they generally love their children, it can be challenging to care for them and you must help the parents feel supported and free of judgment.

For this Discussion, search the Walden Library, current literature, and reputable sources on the Internet and select a journal article researching a type of exceptionality. Consider the impact the exceptionality may have on a family. Reflect upon whether a female or male child might impact the family functioning differently. Consider what type of intervention and support you might provide the family to improve family functioning.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief description of the exceptionality you selected. Then, explain two ways the exceptionality may impact family functioning and how. Finally, explain one therapeutic intervention you might use to improve family functioning. Be specific and support your response using the article you selected.

References;

Flamez, B. & Sheperis, C. J. (2015). Diagnosing and treating children and adolescents: A guide for clinical and school settings. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
- Chapter 5 “Autism Spectrum Disorder”

Ali, M. M., Salleh, N. M. (2008). Similar of different? Examining views on exceptionality among individuals with and without special needs. International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities, and Nations, 7(6), 335–342.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Estell, D. B., Farmer, T. W., Irvin, M. J., Crowther, A., Akos, P., & Boudah, D. J. (2009). Students with exceptionalities and the peer group context of bullying and victimization in late elementary school . Journal of Child and Family Studies, 18(2), 136–150.
© 2009 by HUMAN SCIENCES PRESS. Reprinted by permission of HUMAN SCIENCES PRESS via the Copyright Clearance Center.
Orfus, M., & Howe, N. (2008). Stress appraisal and coping in siblings of children with special needs. Exceptionality Education Canada, 18(3), 166–181.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Xiong, N., Yang, L., Yu, Y., Hou, J., Li, J., Li, Y., Liu, H., Zhang, Y., & Jiao, Z. (2011). Investigation of raising burden of children with autism, physical disability and mental disability in China . Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 32(1), 306–311.
© 2011 by ELSEVIER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOURNALS. Reprinted by permission of ELSEVIER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOURNALS via the Copyright Clearance Center.