Grandparents of children with Autism: A review with recommendations for education, practice, and policy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

One in 166 grandparents will become grandparent to a child with autism. A review of empirical studies suggests that these grandparents experience significant role confusion. They provide the autistic child's parents - who are more likely to be depressed, single, or divorced - with both burden (e.g., conflict regarding behavioral symptoms) and emotional and instrumental support (e.g., childcare; financial assistance; advocacy). Unique stressors of autism upon families include social isolation and financial burden. Custodial grandparents face additional stressors. Opportunities for education, practice, and policy that are designed to help grandparents redefine their role, share in the diagnosis and treatment of autism, and obtain social support are advanced.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)513-527
Number of pages15
JournalEducational Gerontology
Volume33
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Education
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Grandparents of children with Autism: A review with recommendations for education, practice, and policy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this