Supporting families of young children with autism

Despite an increasing orientation toward family-centered services in the fi eld of early intervention, relatively little emphasis in the literature has been placed on the importance of providing comprehensive support for Famil ies of young children with autism. In this article, we draw on our experien ces in early intervention to identify and discuss some distinctive circumst ances and challenges that are encountered by families that include young ch ildren with autism. We describe three issues that warrant special considera tion by professionals as they seek to develop improved programs for support ing children and families affected by autism. It is anticipated that effect ive family support efforts should result in improved longitudinal outcomes for the child and the family.