The diagnosis of a serious disability brings many changes to the famil
y of the newly diagnosed member. Each family copes in their own way to
these many changes. This paper examines some of the effects that a di
agnosis of autism may bring to the family and some of the potential fa
mily stressors that the presence of such a youngster may present. Prob
lem areas discussed include communication, bonding, early sleep patter
ns, unpredictable behavior, difficulties created by changes in routine
, splinter effects, respite, and financial matters. Each of these repr
esent topics that are extremely important for professional awareness w
hen working with families who have a young child with autism.