Comparison of 37 families with a child having an autistic spectrum disorder and 66 control families found lower levels of coping were associated with greater strains on the family system, that strains on the family system were greater in families with an autistic child, and that the two groups differed in their patterns of coping behavior.…

Because of dramatically worsening social conditions, the elementary school must assume new roles and responsibilities. To help children and their families deal with complex social realities, the Elementary School Center in New York City proposes that schools become the locus of advocacy for all children. Two sidebars provide statistics concerning…

Among 94 Ojibway adolescents, those with a history of delinquency or court adjudication were less likely to spend time with their families and were more likely to report dysfunctional family situations and negative feelings toward family. Recommendations are presented for family support and skills development in reservation communities. (SV)

Reviews evidence on biological etiology of autism and other pervasive developmental deviations, stressing necessity for providing early and accurate diagnosis for family. Discusses implications of downplaying individual pathology and concentrating on parental or family dysfunction. Presents components of psychoeducational model for diagnosis and…

Investigated personality characteristics of adult children of alcoholics (ACAs) by using the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test and the Personal Orientation Inventory with undergraduate and graduate college students (N=41). Results indicated there were no significant differences between the ACAs and nonACAs in identifying feelings, expressing…

Proposes a theoretical and practical hybrid model for family counseling based on integrating the rational-emotive and family systems approach. Notes that these combined approaches offer the counselor a systematic theoretical structure for conceptualizing family dysfunction, from which additional strategies for changing inappropriate belief systems…

Describes a program designed to help families care for their medically fragile infants and children in their homes, thus preventing the need for protective services involvement. (PCB)

Examined determinants of marital quality over 3 years for 62 remarried fathers and their new wives, including their sense of self, division of family work, relationships with children, and relationships with former wives. Findings support hypothesis that ambiguity in remarriage role expectations and quality of relations with husband's children and…

Discusses three issues faced by human resources managers: (1) the current relationship between work and the family, (2) the business problems created when work and family overlap, and (3) actions that businesses can take to improve the situation. (JOW)

Presents Virginia Satir's Family Reconstruction, a group therapy experience that blends and extends her 1982 process therapy and 1983 conjoint family therapy approaches. Describes the family reconstruction process, the review of family reconstruction data in the pregroup interview, the family reconstruction process in the counseling group, and the…

The effects of differing attitudes toward money on family life are discussed using a sample case from family counseling services. (DB)

The article summarizes a series of articles concerning acquired cerebral trauma. Reviewed are technological advances, treatment, assessment, potential innovative therapies, long-term outcome, family impact of chronic brain injury, and prevention. (DB)

The solution to the problems faced in preventing child abuse lies in increasing support for the family unit. Nonaccusatory services for families, such as Parents Anonymous, are needed, rather than continued criminalization of child abuse and reliance on the child protective services system for family services. (Author/PB)

Discusses child custody issues in legal practice which conflict with the child's need for security. Issues include: 1) modification of child custody decrees; 2) grandparent visitation legislation; and 3) protection of the custodial parent-child unit. (RJC)

Suggests that concerns regarding the nuclear threat are prevalent among family members; parents and children feel powerless in response to the nuclear threat; response to the nuclear threat is a family issue; responding to the nuclear threat requires empowering families and changing the social context; and nuclear concerns need to be addressed in…