Family Processes and the Emotional and Behavioural Well-Being of Autistic Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Family Processes and the Emotional and Behavioural Well-Being of Autistic Children and Youth: A Systematic Review of Prospective Studies
Language: English
Authors: Billy Fitzgerald, Christopher McCusker, Maria Dempsey, Audrey Dunn Galvin
Source: Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 12(2):197-223.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 27
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Family Environment, Stress Variables, Child Rearing, Parent Child Relationship, Mental Health, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Emotional Problems, Behavior Problems, Well Being, Adolescents, Coping
DOI: 10.1007/s40489-023-00385-3
ISSN: 2195-7177
2195-7185
Abstract: Emotional and behavioural difficulties including depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity are elevated in autistic children (AC). Family processes of a psychological nature are associated with these difficulties, but the direction of influence is uncertain. We searched seven bibliographic databases for prospective, quantitative studies on the impact of family processes across the parent, dyad, and family system levels on the later well-being of AC without intellectual disability, across a minimum of six months. Eligible studies were extracted following PRISMA guidelines and narratively synthesised. Sixteen of the 17 studies included for review reported significant associations between at least one family process and later well-being. Parenting stress and aspects of the parent--child relationship yielded most robust associations. Weaker support was found for parent mental health problems. Clinical and research implications are discussed. [Note: The page range (1-27) shown at the URL is incorrect. The correct page range is 197-223.]
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1473356
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Emotional and behavioural difficulties including depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity are elevated in autistic children (AC). Family processes of a psychological nature are associated with these difficulties, but the direction of influence is uncertain. We searched seven bibliographic databases for prospective, quantitative studies on the impact of family processes across the parent, dyad, and family system levels on the later well-being of AC without intellectual disability, across a minimum of six months. Eligible studies were extracted following PRISMA guidelines and narratively synthesised. Sixteen of the 17 studies included for review reported significant associations between at least one family process and later well-being. Parenting stress and aspects of the parent--child relationship yielded most robust associations. Weaker support was found for parent mental health problems. Clinical and research implications are discussed. [Note: The page range (1-27) shown at the URL is incorrect. The correct page range is 197-223.]
ISSN:2195-7177
2195-7185
DOI:10.1007/s40489-023-00385-3