Family Characteristics, Family Training, and the Progress of Young Children with Autism

Abstract

Although the efficacy of parent training has been demonstrated for many young children with autism, it is clear that not all participants derive similar benefits from this type of service. Pursuant to suggestions in the parent training literature, this study was conducted to explore aspects of family functioning as they relate to the progress of young children in a family-oriented training program. A number of child and family variables, including mother-reported stress, were assessed at intake, and child progress was measured over a year-long period. Correlational analyses were conducted to determine which variables were related to child outcome. The clearest finding to emerge from the analyses was a strong relationship between mother-reported stress on the Parenting Stress Index and child progress on the Learning Accomplishment Profile (LAP) or the Early-LAP. The results are related to findings with other child populations and implications for individualized support for young children with autism and their families are discussed.