Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Impact of Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Families: Balancing Perspectives

  • Intellectual Disability (J Weiss, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The study of the impact of children or youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities on their families has grown increasingly complex. This is due, in part, to the multiple perspectives represented in research (e.g., mothers, fathers, siblings) and to the myriad of outcomes examined (e.g., negative vs. positive impact on families). Basic tenets set forth include encompassing theoretical models that can be used to integrate family research on impact, an evaluative discussion of the importance of child problem behaviors, and family socio-economic status as vital to the discussion of family stress. Parenting behaviors that influence impact are also identified, with attention to important moderators of family outcomes that further elucidate processes over and above main effects research. The article concludes with a discussion of promising directions that may alter the impact of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the family.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

  1. Cox MJ, Paley B. Understanding families as systems. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2003;12(5):193–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Seligman M, Darling RB. Ordinary families, special children: a systems approach to childhood disability. New York: The Guilford Press; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Trivette CM, Dunst CJ, Hamby DW. Influences of family-systems intervention practices on parent-child interactions and child development. Top Early Child Spec Edu. 2010;30(1):3–19. doi:10.1177/0271121410364250.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Turnbull AP, Summers JA, Brotherson MJ. Working with families with disabled members: a family systems approach. Lawrence: University of Kansas, Kansas Affiliated Faculty; 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Bronfenbrenner U. The ecology of human development: experiments by nature and design. Cambridge: Harvard University Press; 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Crnic KA, Friedrich WN, Greenberg MT. Adaptation of families with mentally retarded children: A model of stress, coping, and family ecology. Am J Ment Defic. 1983;88(2):125–38.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Hernandez LM, Blazer DG, editors. Genes, behavior, and the social environment. Washington: The National Academies Press; 2006.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Meaney MJ. Epigenetics and the biological definition of gene x environment interactions. Child Dev. 2010;81(1):41–79. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2009.01381.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Odom SL, Horner RH, Snell ME, Blacher J. The construct of developmental disabilities. In: Odom SL, Horner RH, Snell ME, Blacher J, editors. Handbook of developmental disabilities. NY: The Guilford Press; 2007. p. 3–14.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Bailey Jr DB, McWilliam RA, Darkes LA, Hebbeler K, Simeonsson RJ, Spiker D. Family outcomes in early intervention: a framework for program evaluation and efficacy research. Except Child. 1998;64:313–28.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Davis K, Gavidia-Payne S. (2009). The impact of child, family, and professional support characteristics on the quality of life in families of young children with disabilities. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 43(2), 153–162. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13668250902874608

  12. Bettelheim B. The empty fortress: infantile autism and the birth of the self. NY: The Free Press; 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  13. Cohen SR, Zeedyk SM, Tipton LA, Rodas NV, Blacher J. Fathers of children with or without ID: understanding long-term psychological symptoms. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2015. doi:10.1111/jir.12232. This article extends the limited work on fathers’ perceptions and psychological well-being when raising a child with intellectual disability.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Crnic K, Pedersen y Arbona A, Baker B, Blacher J. Mothers and fathers together: contrasts in parenting across preschool to early school age in children with developmental delay. In: Glidden L, Seltzer M, editors. International review of research in mental retardation, IRRMR, vol. 37. 37th ed. Oxford: Elsevier; 2009. p. 3–30.

    Google Scholar 

  15. Hartley SL, Schultz HM. Support needs of fathers and mothers of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2015;45:1636–48. doi:10.1007/s10803-014-2318-0.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. McStay RL, Dissanayake C, Scheeren A, Koot HM, Begeer S. Parenting stress and autism: the role of age, autism severity, quality of life and problem behaviours of children and adolescents with autism. Autism. 2014;18(5):502–10. doi:10.1177/1362361313485163. This article addressed family-related risk and protective factors for parents of children with autism, highlighting the importance of taking a comprehensive family-systems approach.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Gardiner E, Iarocci G. Unhappy (and happy) in their own way: a developmental psychopathology perspective on quality of life for families living with developmental disability with and without autism. Res Dev Disabil. 2012;33(6):2177–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Karst JS, Van Hecke A. Parent and family impact of autism spectrum disorders: a review and proposed model for intervention evaluation. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2012;15:247–77. doi:10.1007/s10567-012-0119-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Cantwell J, Muldoon OT, Gallagher S. Social support and mastery influence the association between stress and poor physical health in parents caring for children with developmental disabilities. Res Dev Disabil. 2014;35:2215–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Gau SS, Chou M, Chiang H, Lee J, Wong C, Chou W, et al. Parental adjustment, marital relationship, and family function in families of children with autism. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2012;6:263–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Kogan MD, Strickland BB, Blumberg SJ, Singh GP, Perrin JM, van Dyck PC. A national profile of the health care experiences and family impact of autism spectrum disorder among children in the United States, 2005–2006. Pediatrics. 2008;122(6):e1149–58.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Smith LE, Seltzer MM, Greenberg JS. (2012). Daily health symptoms of mothers of adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome and mothers of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord, 42, 1836–1846. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1422-7

  23. Bekhet AK, Johnson NL, Zauszniewski JA. Resilience in family members of persons with autism spectrum disorder: a review of the literature. Issues Mental Health Nurs. 2012;33:650–6. doi:10.3109/01612840.2012.671441.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Blacher J, Baker BL, Berkovits L. Family perspectives on child disability: views from the sunny side of the street. In: Wehmeyer ML, editor. Oxford handbook of positive psychology and disability. NY: Oxford University Press, Inc.; 2013.

    Google Scholar 

  25. McConnell D, Savage A, Sobsey D, Uditsky B. Benefit-finding or finding benefits? The positive impact of having a disabled child. Disabil Soc. 2015;30(1):29–45. doi:10.1080/09687599.2014.984803.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Scallan S, Senior J, Reilly C. Williams syndrome: daily challenges and positive impact on the family. J Appl Res Intellect Disabil. 2011;24:181–8. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3148.2010.00575.x.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. McCubbin HI, Patterson JM. The family stress process. Marriage Fam Rev. 1983;6:7–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Manning MM, Wainwright L, Bennett J. The double ABCX model of adaptation in racially diverse families with a school-age child with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2011;41:320–31. doi:10.1007/s10803-010-1056-1.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Pozo P, Sarriá E, Brioso A. Psychological adaptation in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. In: Mohammadi MR, editor. A comprehensive book on autism spectrum disorders. Rijeka: InTech; 2011. p. 107–30.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Weiss JA, MacMullin JA, Lunsky Y. Empowerment and parent gain as mediators and moderators of distress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. J Child Fam Stud. 2015;24:2038–45. doi:10.1007/s10826-014-0004-7. This paper focuses on the importance of maternal empowerment when parenting a child with autism with high levels of problem behaviors. It stresses the need for service providers to focus on improving parental coping to help families of children with autism spectrum disorder.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Sameroff A, editor. The transactional model of development: how children and contexts shape each other. Washington: American Psychological Association; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Luthar SS. Resilience in development: a synthesis of research across five decades. In: Cicchetti D, Cohen DJ, editors. Developmental psychopathology. Hoboken: Wiley; 2006. p. 739–95.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Chavira V, Lopez SR, Blacher J, Shapiro J. Latina mothers’ attributions, emotions, and reactions to the problem behaviors of their children with developmental disabilities. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2003;41(2):245–52. doi:10.1111/1469-7610.006-5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Belsky J, Pluess M. Beyond diathesis stress: differential susceptibility to environmental influences. Psychol Bull. 2009;135(6):885–908. doi:10.1037/a0017376.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Abbeduto L, Seltzer MM, Shattuck P, Krauss MW, Orsmond G, Murphy MM. Psychological well-being and coping in mothers of youths with autism, Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome. Am J Ment Retard. 2004;109(3):237–54.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Dabrowska A, Pisula E. Parenting stress and coping styles in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism and Down syndrome. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2010;54(3):266–80. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2010.01258.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Eisenhower A, Blacher B, Baker BL. Mothers’ perceived physical health during early and middle childhood: relations with child developmental delay and behavior problems. Res Dev Disabil. 2013;34(3):1059–68. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2012.12.002.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Ingersoll B, Meyer K, Becker M. Short report: increased rates of depressed mood in mothers of children with ASD associated with the presence of the broader autism phenotype. Autism Res. 2011;4:143–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Mitchell DB, Szczerepa A, Hauser-Cram P. Spilling over: partner parenting stress as a predictor of family cohesion in parents of adolescents with developmental disabilities. Res Dev Disabil. 2016;49–50:258–67.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Totsika V, Hastings RP, Emerson E, Lancaster GA, Berridge DM. A population-based investigation of behavioural and emotional problems and maternal mental health: associations with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2011;52(1):91–9. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2010.02295.x.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Totsika V, Hastings RP, Emerson E, Berridge DM, Lancaster GA. Behavior problems at 5 years of age and maternal mental health in autism and intellectual disability. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2011;39:1137–47. doi:10.1007/s10802-011-9534-2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Glidden LM. Family well-being and children with intellectual disability. In: Burack JA, Hodapp RM, Iarocci G, Zigler E, editors. The Oxford handbook of intellectual disability and development. Oxford: Oxford University; 2012. p. 303–17.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Baker BL, Blacher J, Crnic K, Edelbrock C. Behavior problems and parenting stress in families of three year old children with and without developmental delays. Am J Ment Retard. 2002;107:433–44.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Baker BL, Blacher J. Disruptive behavior disorders in adolescents with ASD: comparisons to youth with intellectual disability or typical cognitive development. J Ment Health Res Intellect Disabil. 2015;8:98–116. doi:10.1080/19315864.2015.1018395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Blacher J, Baker BL. (under review). Collateral effects of youth disruptive behavior disorders on mothers’ psychological distress: adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, or typical development.

  46. Davis NO, Carter AS. Parenting stress in mothers and fathers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: associations with child characteristics. J Autism Dev Disord. 2008;38:1278–91. doi:10.1007/s10803-007-0512-z.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Hastings RP, Kovshoff H, Ward NJ, Espinosa F, Brown T, Remington B. Systems analysis of stress and positive perceptions in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism. J Autism Dev Disord. 2005;35(5):635–44. doi:10.1007/s10803-005-0007-8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Lovell B, Wetherell MA. The psychophysiological impact on childhood autism spectrum disorder on siblings. Res Dev Disabil. 2016;49–50:226–34.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Meyer KA, Ingersoll B, Hambrick DZ. Factors influencing adjustment in siblings of children with autism spectrum disorders. Res Autism Spec Disord. 2011;5:1413–20.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Neece CL, Blacher J, Baker BL. Impact on siblings of children with intellectual disability: the role of child behavior problems. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2010;115(4):291–306. doi:10.1352/1944-7558-115.4.291.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Ross P, Cuskelly M. Adjustment, sibling problems and coping strategies of brothers and sisters of children with autistic spectrum disorder. J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2006;31(2):77–86.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Achenbach T. Manual for the child behavior checklist/4 - 18 and 1991 profile. Burlington: University of Vermont Department of Psychiatry; 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Sawyer MG, Arney FM, Baghurst PA, Clark JJ, Graetz BW, Kosky RJ, et al. The mental health of young people in Australia: key findings from the child and adolescent component of the national survey of mental health and well-being. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2001;35(6):806–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Piven J, Gayle J, Chase GA, Fink B, Landa R, Wzorek MM, et al. A family history study of neuropsychiatric disorders in adult siblings of autistic individuals. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1990;29(2):177–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Messinger DS, Young GS, Webb SJ, Ozonoff S, Byrson SE, Carter A, et al. Early sex differences are not autism-specific: a baby siblings research consortium (BSRC) study. Mol Autism. 2015;6(32):1–11. doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0027-y.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Orzonoff S, Young GS, Carter A, Messinger D, Yirmiya N, Zwaigenbaum L, Stone WL. (2011). Recurrence risk for autism spectrum disorders: a baby siblings research consortium study. Pediatrics. 128(3), e000. http://dx.doi.org/10.1542/peds.2010-2825d

  57. Ozonoff S, Young GS, Landa RJ, Brian J, Bryson S, Charman T, et al. Diagnostic stability in young children at risk for autism spectrum disorder: a baby siblings research consortium study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2015;56(9):988–98. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12421.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Begum G, Blacher J. The siblings relationship of adolescents with and without intellectual disabilities. Res Dev Disabil. 2011;32(5):1580–8. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2011.01.056.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author

  60. Estes A, Munson J, Dawson G, Koehler E, Zhou X, Abbott R. Parenting stress and psychological functioning among mothers of preschool children with autism and developmental delay. Autism. 2009;13(4):375–87.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Schieve LA, Blumberg SJ, Rice C, Visse SN, Boyle C. The relationship between autism and parental stress. Pediatrics. 2007;119(1):114–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Olsson MB, Hwang CP. Depression in mothers and fathers of children with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2001;45(6):535–43.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Beck AT, Steer RA. Beck depression inventory: manual (Swedish version). Stockholm: Psykologi Forlaget; 1996.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Olsson MB, Hwang CP. Socioeconomic and psychological variables as risk and protective factors for parental well-being in families of children with intellectual disabilities. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2008;52(12):1102–13. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2008.01081.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Eisenhower A, Blacher J. Mothers of young adults with intellectual disability: multiple roles, ethnicity, and well-being. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2006;50(12):905–16. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00913.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  66. Emerson E, McCulloch A, Graham H, Blacher J, Llewellyn G, Hatton C. The mental health of parents of young children with and without developmental delays. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2010;115:30–42.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Khamis V. Psychological distress among parents of children with mental retardation in the United Arab Emirates. Soc Sci Med. 2007;64(4):850–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Cohen SR, Holloway SD, Dominguez-Pareto I, Kuppermann M. Receiving or believing in family support? Contributors to the life quality of Latino and non-Latino families of children with intellectual disability. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2014;58:333–45.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Feniger-Schaal R, Oppenheim D. Resolution of the diagnosis and maternal sensitivity among mothers of children with intellectual disability. Res Dev Disabil. 2012;34:306–13.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Kearney JA, Britner PA, Farrell AF, Robinson JL. Mothers’ resolution of their young children’s psychiatric diagnoses: associations with child, parent, and relationship charcteristics. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2011;42:334–248. doi:10.1007/s10578-011-0217-6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Blacher J. Sequential stages of parental adjustment to the birth of a child with handicaps: fact or artifact? Ment Retard. 1984;22(2):55–68.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Singer GHS, Powers LE. Contributing to resilience in families: an overview. In: Singer GH, Powers LE, editors. Families, disability, and empowerment: active coping skills and strategies for family interventions. Brookes: Baltimore; 1993. p. 1–26.

    Google Scholar 

  73. Russell PSS, John JKA, Lakshmanan JL. Family intervention for intellectually disabled children: randomized controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 1999;174:254–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Okimoto AM, Bundy A, Hanzlik J. Playfulness in children with and without disability: measurement and intervention. Am J Occup Ther. 2000;54:73–82.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Blacher J, Baker BL, Kaladjian A. Syndrome specificity and mother-child interactions: examining positive and negative parenting across contexts and time. J Autism Dev Disord. 2013;43:761–74.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  76. Doussard-Roosevelt JA, Joe CM, Bazhenova OV, Porges SW. Mother-child interaction in autistic and nonautistic children: characteristics of maternal approach behaviors and child social responses. Development and Psychopathology. 2003;15:277–95. doi:10.1017/S0954579403000154.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Costigan CL, Floyd FJ, Harter KSM, McClintock JS. Family process and adaptation to children with mental retardation: disruption and resilience in family problem-solving interactions. J Fam Psychol. 1997;11(4):515–29.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Barak-Levy Y, Atzaba-Poria N. The effects of familial risk and parental resolution on parenting a child with mild intellectual disability. Res Dev Disabil. 2015;47:106–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Niccols A, Milligan K, Chisholm V, Atkinson L. Maternal sensitivity and overt aggression in young children with Down syndrome. Brain Cogn. 2011;77:153–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Baker JK, Fenning RM, Crnic KA, Baker BL, Baker J. Prediction of social skills in 6-year-old children with and without developmental delays: contributions of early regulation and maternal scaffolding. Am J Ment Retard. 2007;112:375–91.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Baker JK, Messinger DS, Lyons KK, Grantz CJ. A pilot study of maternal sensitivity in the context of emergent autism. J Autism Dev Disabil. 2010;40:988–99. doi:10.1007/s10803-010-0948-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  82. Fenning RM, Baker JK. Mother-child interaction and resilience in children with early developmental risk. J Fam Psychol. 2012;26(3):411–20. doi:10.1037/a0028287.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  83. Helgeson VS, Reynolds KA, Tomich PL. A meta-analysis review of benefit finding and growth. J Consult Clin Psychol. 2006;74(5):797–816. doi:10.1037/0022-006X.74.5.797.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  84. Ellingsen R, Baker BL, Blacher J, Crnic K. Resilient parenting of preschool children at developmental risk. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2014;58(7):664–78. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2013.02.025.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Ellingsen R, Baker BL, Blacher J, Crnic K. Resilient parenting of children at developmental risk across middle childhood. Res Dev Disabil. 2014;35(6):1364–74. doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2014.03.016.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  86. Baker BL, Blacher J, Olsson MB. Preschool children with and without developmental delay: behaviour problems, parents’ optimism and well-being. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2005;8:575–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  87. Carver CS, Scheier MF. Dispositional optimism. Trends Cogn Sci. 2014;18:293–9. doi:10.1016/j.tics.2014.02.003.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  88. Faso DJ, Neal-Beevers AR, Carlson CL. Vicarious futurity, hope, and well-being in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2013;7(2):288–97. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2012.08.014.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Lloyd TJ, Hastings R. Hope as a psychological resilience factor in mothers and fathers of children with intellectual disabilities. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2009;53(12):957–68. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01206.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Judge SL. Parental coping strategies and strengths in families of young children with disabilities. Fam Relat. 1998;47:263–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  91. Weiss JA, Robinson S, Fung S, Tint A, Chalmers P, Lunsky Y. Family hardiness, social support, and self-efficacy in mothers in individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2013;7(11):1310–7. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2013.07.016.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  92. Olsson MB, Hwang CP. Sense of coherence in parents of children with different developmental disabilities. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2002;46(7):548–59. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2788.2002.00414.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Pozo P, Sarriá E, Brioso A. Family quality of life and psychological well-being in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders: a double ABCX model. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2014;58:442–58.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Myers BJ, Mackintosh VH, Goin-Kochel RP. “My greatest joy and my greatest heart ache”: Parents’ own words on how having a child in the autism spectrum has affected their lives and their families’ lives. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2009;3(3):670–84. doi:10.1016/j.rasd.2009.01.004.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  95. Blacher J, Baker BL. Positive impact of intellectual disability on families. Am J Ment Retard. 2007;112(5):330–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Lopez SR, Guarnaccia PJJ. Cultural psychopathology: uncovering the social world of mental illness. Annu Rev Psychol. 2000;51:571–98.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Crnic K, Neece C. Socioeconomic consequences of illness and disability. Handb Child Psychol Dev Sci. 2015;3(8):1–37.

    Google Scholar 

  98. Norlin D, Broberg M. Parents of children with and without intellectual disability: couple relationship and individual well-being. J Intellect Disabil Res. 2013;57(6):552–66. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2788.2012.01564.x.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Education, University of California, Riverside, 1207 Sproul Hall, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA

    Yasamine Bolourian & Jan Blacher

Authors
  1. Yasamine Bolourian
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Jan Blacher
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yasamine Bolourian.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

Yasamine Bolourian and Jan Blacher declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Additional information

This paper was based on the activities of the Collaborative Family Study, supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Grant number 34879-1459. We also appreciate the support from the SEARCH Family Autism Center at UC Riverside and the UCR Vice Chancellor for Research.

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Intellectual Disability

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bolourian, Y., Blacher, J. Impact of Youth with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities on Families: Balancing Perspectives. Curr Dev Disord Rep 3, 116–123 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0087-5

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-016-0087-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation