Helping families caring for children with autism: what could social workers do?

Abstract

Based on a systematic analysis of academic literature with empirical research findings (N=22 studies), the key problems of families with children with autism (autism spectrum disorder) are summarized. It is determined that the appearance in a family of a child with autism affects the family livelihood, reduces the quality of family life, creates situations of socio-economic injustice, gender inequality, which requires social work response. The approaches to organizing the work of social workers with families raising children with autism are distinguished: psychological education, structured family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, self-management programs and planning skills. The content of practical filling of these interviews and design features are generalized. The SWOT-analysis of opportunities and risks of using the identified interventions in Ukraine was conducted.

Piloting a Strengths-Based Intervention to Enhance the Quality of Life of Families Raising Children With Autism

“…The analysis of the interventions aimed at social support for parents highlights both their strengths and weaknesses (Stoliaryk & Semigina, 2020). Researchers pointed out the necessity for a combination of diverse social work methods and technologies, which focus on encouraging family members, positive identification, self-confidence and capabilities, focusing the available resources of the family in improving the quality of life, which is consonant with the use of an approach focused on the clients' strengths in social work.…”

“…The analysis of the Ukrainian academic discourse of social work regarding the support of families raising children with autism demonstrates the obsolescence of technologies, forms and methods of practical interventions, which are oriented towards a paternalistic approach and devaluing the role and participation of family members, their ability to improve their own well-being. Existing practices can be considered fragmented and cover a small proportion of families, which indicates the lack of systemic social support and the inefficiency of local social policy (Semigina & Chistyakova, 2020;Stoliaryk & Semigina, 2020).…”