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Parenting children with autism spectrum disorders: a crucible for couple relationships
Author(s) -
Hock Robert M.,
Timm Tina M.,
Ramisch Julie L.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2206.2011.00794.x
Subject(s) - psychology , autism , crucible (geodemography) , qualitative research , developmental psychology , grounded theory , intervention (counseling) , wife , qualitative analysis , psychiatry , sociology , social science , demography , political science , law
As the incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) continues to rise, there is a growing need to understand how ASDs impact family life. This qualitative study explored the ways in which parenting a child with ASD impacts marriages. Using modified grounded theory, nine couples and one wife ( n = 19) were interviewed. The dominant finding that emerged is that parenting a child with ASD acts as a crucible for couple relationships, exerting extraordinary pressure on partners that forces qualitative adaptations in their relationship. Two relationship phases emerged from the analysis: tag team and deeper intimacy and commitment. The resulting theoretical model can help clinicians tailor assessment and intervention for couples who are parenting a child with ASD.