Abstract
This article aims to review the literature on family functioning in the field of autism. The search was conducted in August 2021 in PubMed, PsycINFO, and PubPsy and sixty-two articles were included. Studies were published in English between 1980 and 2021 and provided quantitative data from validated measures of family functioning in families with an official diagnosis of autism. Results showed that family functioning appeared more problematic for families of autistic children than non-autistic ones. Difficulties were correlated with more caregiver demand and less resources. Interventional results varied. The findings highlight the importance of considering family functioning when providing care for autistic children and their families. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Prospero registration number: CRD42022297696.
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Notes
According to the recommendations of Autisme France and Autisme Europe, and in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the term “autistic person” or “person on the autism spectrum” is used in order to avoid the negative connotation of the term disorder.
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GDG decided to conduct this systematic review as part of a thesis project and therefore designed the protocol which was revised by ND and EC. The search, selection of articles and extraction were carried out by GDG and ND. The results were then synthesised by GDG and revised by ND and EC. GDG drafted the manuscript. ND and EC helped drafting the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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DESQUENNE GODFREY, G., DOWNES, N. & CAPPE, E. A Systematic Review of Family Functioning in Families of Children on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 54, 1036–1057 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05830-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05830-6