Treating Families on the Spectrum: An Ecological Systems Approach

This book outlines how therapists and families who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can use an ecological systems approach, which offers a holistic and nuanced model that treats the entire family system rather than just the individual.

Filled with case studies and empirically supported suggestions from clinical practice, this comprehensive book provides an applied therapeutic model that supports the whole family, highlighting how various levels of autism can present differing challenges from a family systems lens. Written using a lifespan developmental framework, chapters begin with early diagnosis and cover essential milestones from childhood to adulthood, addressing issues such as clinical concerns for families, children in school, the role of siblings, the extended family, the assessment process, and the anticipated loss of caregivers. This essential resource aims to not reduce behavioural concerns of autism but rather strengthen the entire family system. Going beyond psychoeducation, this book provides practical and clinical approaches to helping families navigate the unique challenges and family dynamics of autism.

This book is designed to be read by mental health professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and marriage and family therapists, as well as family members themselves.

Britney Fontes, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist at a state psychiatric hospital in New Jersey. She graduated from Chesnut Hill College in Philadelphia. She has been noted as a behavioural and psychodynamic therapist who works primarily with individuals who have serious, persistent mental illnesses and developmental disabilities.

Gwendolyn Edwards, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist at a medical hospital in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Chesnut Hill College in Philadelphia. She has been noted as a systemic and psychodynamic therapist who works primarily with individuals and families with various mental health disorders.

Scott Browning, PhD, ABPP, is a Professor Emeritus of psychology in the doctoral program at Chestnut Hill College. He is a widely published author of The Contemporary Family, Translating Research into Practice, and Stepfamily Therapy. Scott Browning has received awards from the American Psychological Association and the Pennsylvania Psychological Association for his contribution to Family Psychology.