Stress and family functioning in parents of girls with Rett syndrome.

Mothers and fathers of 29 girls with Rett syndrome provided data about their levels of parenting stress, marital adjustment, and family functioning. Their scores were compared to normative and clinical samples. The parents of girls with Rett syndrome reported more stress, lower marital satisfaction, and certain adaptations in family functioning compared to norms. However, most parents scored in the normal range on most measures and their scores were not related to SES. There was little relationship between specific characteristics of the daughter with Rett syndrome, such as her age and level of functioning, and her parents' scores on these measures. There were few significant differences between mothers' and fathers' scores. Results are discussed in terms of patterns of family adaptation and coping. Clinical implications are also discussed.

Child behaviours as stressors: replicating and extending the use of the CARS as a measure of stress: a research note.

Autistic children represent a source of stress for their parents, but the most appropriate way to measure this stress is not clear. Two studies in the literature compared parents' and professionals' ratings of symptom severity, and had parents rate the stressfulness of each symptom. The present study sought to replicate past research, and to extend it by validating this method of measuring parental stress compared to more traditional measures. Results indicated that mothers, fathers, and professionals agreed on the severity of child behaviours. Mothers found these behaviours significantly more stressful than fathers. The stress related to specific child behaviours was significantly correlated with more general measures of parental stress.

The effects of fenfluramine (hydrochloride) on the behaviors of fifteen autistic children.

Fifteen autistic individuals were involved in an investigation using fenfluramine and placebo in a double-blind crossover design. Subjects were assessed using IQ tests, the Real Life Rating Scale (RLRS), the Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Edition (ABS-SE), and videotaped play data on 8 of 12 visits, including 2 follow-up visits. Serotonin level in platelet-poor plasma was assessed on all 12 visits. Serotonin levels decreased with the administration of fenfluramine, and increased with the reinstatement of placebo. Statistical tests revealed no significant differences on the IQ scores, the RLRS, or the ABS-SE for the drug versus the placebo conditions. Videotaped data favored the subjects while on placebo. Group and individual data were analyzed over time and indicated no significant improvements due to the drug. The implications of this research make it difficult to recommend fenfluramine as a treatment for autism.

Psychometric validity and clinical usefulness of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale for an autistic sample.

Two prominent assessment measures of adaptive behavior were compared and evaluated in terms of their psychometric properties and their clinical usefulness for autistic children and adolescents. The AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Edition (Lambert & Windmiller, 1981) and the Vineland Adapative Behavior Scales (Sparrow, Balla, & Cicchetti, 1984) were compared in 15 autistic persons aged 8 to 18. Correlations between the two instruments revealed good concurrent validity. The psychometric properties of the tests were similar to those found in samples of mentally retarded persons. The use of adaptive behavior measures for autistic children and adolescents is encouraged. Clinical advantages and disadvantages of the two tests are discussed.