The design of programs for young developmentally disabled children is shaped by staff perceptions of the nature of the child's disability and the role of the parent. This paper contrasts two assumptions about the nature of autism and discusses the implications of each for parent services. A review of the literature reveals that a deficit model of parental pathology and definition of the parent as patient lack empirical support. The growing recognition of a biological etiology for autism is discussed and alternative definitions of the parent or family as the focus for intervention are pointed out. Research which supports a broader family systems approach is presented and implications for service delivery are discussed.
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