The objective of this study is to determine whether the level of functioning of autistic children will be improved through their participation in a three-month wrap-around program. The wrap-around approach is based on the philosophy of providing children in need and their families with a comprehensive set of individualized community services and support networks in order to help them overcome their challenges (Delaware Disabilities Forum, 2001, p. 2).
In this research study, a group of randomly selected autistic children will first be assessed by using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) to determine their current level of functioning in the following areas: socialization, communication, motor skills and daily living skills. Used extensively by researchers and specialists to assess the level of functioning of autistic children, the VABS has been proven to be reliable and valid (Sparrow et al., 1986; Carter et al., 1998).
Half of the group (15 children) will be assigned to the control group that will receive no intervention. The remaining half of the group will participate in a three-month-long wrap-around program. After the completion of the program, the VABS will be administered to both groups to evaluate the current level of functioning of the participants. The results of the VABS will indicate whether and how the participants in the wrap-around program have benefited from the program.
The objective of this study is to determine whether blended families will be able to overcome existing or potential conflicts within the families through narrative therapy. The focus of this study is on conflicts that exist between parents. In order to assess the current level of conflict, the Domestic Conflict Index (DCI) will be administered to the parents, while the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) will be used to obtain the children's perspectives.
The DCI is a questionnaire that requires parents to answer "yes" or "n...