Program Evaluation of a Family Systems Model of Service Delivery for Parents of Children with Autism: Promoting Adaptation to Family Stress.

Abstract Families of children with autism experience increased amounts of family stress, as compared to families without a child with autism. Many family support initiatives have addressed the lack of resources in these families to cope with the increased stress they face from day to day. This investigation evaluated an intervention to assist in the reduction of stress in families of young children with autism. The intervention program applied a family systems model to understanding the increased stress in these families. Evaluation data measured each of three goals: increased factual knowledge about autism, increased knowledge about stress and stress management, and increased awareness of social support and advocacy issues. After participation in the program, parents had a slight, but not statistically significant, increase in factual knowledge of autism and issues related to advocacy. No reduction in overall stress was reported. Results are discussed with regard to the limitations of the study and futur...