Family associations and autism spectrum disorders. Outcomes from a research

Abstract

This article describes the results of the study “Autism and Family: the role of associations”, that represents the second phase of a research project carried out in collaboration with a family association in Monza e Brianza (Italy). The family plays a very important role in the education process of a child with autism: for this reason it is crucial to investigate the factors that can promote its well-being. An aspect of great importance is represented by the opportunities offered by family groups. To be a part of an associative dimension and to build friendship and support networks represent key issues in the process of acceptance and adaptation required by the new family organization. The results and the considerations resulting from this survey show the importance of enhancing the resources offered by the informal network of families.