Treating Families on the Spectrum

An Ecological Systems Approach

Britney Fontes, Gwendolyn Edwards, Scott Browning (Chestnut Hill College, Pennsylvania, USA)

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Hardback

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English

Routledge
26 March 2025

Social work; Child & developmental psychology; Family psychology; Psychotherapy

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.

By: Britney Fontes, Gwendolyn Edwards, Scott Browning (Chestnut Hill College, Pennsylvania, USA)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm,
ISBN: 9781032587349
ISBN 10: 1032587342
Pages: 164
Publication Date: 26 March 2025
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

1. The Basics 2. Ecological Systems Approach 3. The Autism Trait Scale (ATS) 4. Early Diagnosis, Clinical Concerns, and School Sytem 5. Debunking the IEP 6. Subsytems 7. Family Therapy with Adolescents and Clinical Concerns 8. Older Adolescents and Young Adults 9. Older Adults and Family Changes 10. Treating Families on The Spectrum

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.

Reviews for Treating Families on the Spectrum: An Ecological Systems Approach

“This book provides an excellent conceptualization of engaging and adapting traditional family therapy models for neurodiverse individuals and their families. Excellent case examples and relevant applications of techniques are provided that are likely to be helpful for clients and clinicians alike.” Eric Mitchell, Ph.D., owner and director of Neurodiversity Consultants LLC “This book is a must-read for anyone working with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. The authors create a primer for mastering sociocultural domain effects for this group. As a child psychiatrist and parent of an adult living with autism, I found this groundbreaking book to resonate with empathy and passion for patient care.” Mike Colston, M.D., Captain (retired) U.S. Navy “Treating Families on the Spectrum provides a systemic lens and useful clinical tools. Even experienced therapists will gain new insights and perspectives that can help families navigate the complex, challenging, and nuanced differences that autism presents.” Robert Naseef, Ph.D., psychologist, author, parent of adult autistic child