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Review
. 2014 Jan;23(1):143-55.
doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2013.08.006. Epub 2013 Oct 6.

The family context of autism spectrum disorders: influence on the behavioral phenotype and quality of life

Leann E Smith  1 , Jan S Greenberg, Marsha R Mailick
Affiliations
Review

The family context of autism spectrum disorders: influence on the behavioral phenotype and quality of life

Leann E Smith et al. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014 Jan.

Abstract

This article reports the findings from a longitudinal program of research examining the bidirectional influences of the family environment on the behavioral phenotype of autism, and describes a newly developed family psychoeducation program, titled Transitioning Together, designed to reduce family stress, address behavior problems, and improve the overall quality of life of adolescents with autism and their families. A case study is presented that illustrates how Transitioning Together helps reduce family stress and improve the overall quality of the family environment. The article concludes with a discussion of directions for future research on best practices in working with families of children, adolescents, and adults with autism.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders; Expressed emotion; Family; Psychoeducation; Stress.

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