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Family functioning in A sian families raising children with autism spectrum disorders: the role of capabilities and positive meanings
Author(s) -
Xue J.,
Ooh J.,
Magiati I.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/jir.12034
Subject(s) - optimism , coping (psychology) , psychology , autism , autism spectrum disorder , developmental psychology , social support , social environment , clinical psychology , social psychology , political science , law
Background There has been increasing interest in exploring the factors contributing to successful adaptation and family functioning in ethnically and culturally diverse families who raise children with autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ), in order to inform more appropriate strength‐based family support services. This pilot study used the F amily A djustment and A daptation R esponse ( FAAR ) model as a theoretical framework to investigate the role of families' capabilities (coping strategies and resources of support) and positive meanings in raising a child with ASD in family functioning in an A sian context. Methods Sixty‐five S ingaporean parents of 3‐ to 11‐year‐old children with ASD completed a series of questionnaires on demands, coping strategies, social support, positive meanings and family functioning. Results Families reported a number of helpful coping strategies. Coping through family integration/optimism was most helpful, followed by understanding the condition and by developing esteem and psychological stability. Reported capabilities, but not positive meanings, mediated the relationship between demands and family functioning. Conclusion The findings are discussed in relation to existing literature, possible specific cultural issues, and the strengths and limitations of the study. Implications for supporting families of children with ASD in different social and cultural contexts are also discussed.