The mother of a 13-year-old boy with autism discusses the symptoms of autism from birth through 18 months and 18 through 36 months and her journey out of denial. The dreaded validation of the diagnosis and the support of other parents are addressed. Her husband shares some suggestions for stepfathers. (CR)

The mother of a 10-year-old boy with high functioning autism discusses her shock at the diagnosis, her denial, her feelings of guilt, her sense of isolation, the panic she felt in trying to stay on top of things, her anger, bargaining with herself, and her final feelings of acceptance and hope. (Contains three references.) (CR)

Analyzes a 1986 national survey (n=2,081) to examine differences in psychological and economic distress between remarried and divorced persons, and if economic distress differences explain differences in psychological distress between married and divorced persons. Findings show that remarried persons have significantly lower rates of economic and…

Participants from five groups completed a questionnaire that required them to assess their use of 11 coping mechanisms. Participants differed from one another, depending on group affiliation, on five strategies. The strategy judged most important was "maintaining contact with other helpers." Concludes that training programs should…

Participants (n=161) viewed a videotaped "disaster" during which they "placed" themselves on the scene as helpers. Results indicate that two groups, those who had received previous training in coping skills versus those who had not, differed significantly in the use of skills and level of psychological comfort. (Author)

Reviews the findings of the eight studies in this special section on children and ethnic/political violence, focusing on the contributions and limitations of research in this area and suggestions for future research. (MDM)

Discusses how to help students learn to manage anger, highlighting four critical concepts of anger management (anger cues, anger triggers, anger reducers, and communications skills) and explaining how to teach students to consider the different aspects of anger, use anger positively, examine anger triggers, cool down, and handle frustration. (SM)

Describes the destruction caused by the Oklahoma City bombing and recounts the reaction of a second-grade class in Oklahoma. Describes class discussions of the bombing and how children found various ways to ask questions and express their feelings about the incident. Provides tips for teachers to help children who are going through trauma. (MOK)

The Early Coping Inventory was adapted to rate coping behaviors objectively in 114 infants and toddlers in 3 categories. The typically developing children were rated as significantly more effective than children at risk or developmentally delayed. Children at risk received significantly higher coping ratings than did the children with…

A study explored responsibilities and concerns of six young adults in relation to their brother/sister with vision and hearing disabilities. Although mothers were the primary care takers, siblings played an important, secondary role. Siblings expressed guilt about being unable to take a more active role and were aware of future demands. (Contains…

In this article, a woman recounts her discovery at 50 years old that she has autism. Her relief at finding an explanation for why she had experienced the world differently is discussed, along with the assets of autism. The psychic ability of individuals with autism and their spirituality are described. (CR)

Investigated models relating coping efficacy, coping efforts, and psychological problems of children of divorce. Structural equation model supported coping efficacy as mediating between active coping, avoiding coping, and psychological problems. Prospective longitudinal model supported coping efficacy as mediating between active coping and…

Offers mental health counselors two prevention models, Bloom's Configural Equation and Albee's Incidence Formula, as excellent tools to plan and implement prevention programs in schools and in community efforts to improve adolescent well-being. Critical assessments are offered of both models and outcome research, along with ideas for utilization…

This article provides examples and illustrations of how people with aphasia can and do demonstrate their competence in managing their lives despite chronic aphasia. It discusses a number of ways in which persons with aphasia and their families can learn to live fully despite the intrusion of aphasia. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

British parents (n=141) participating in an intensive home-based behavioral intervention for a child with autism completed a questionnaire addressing issues of stress, coping, and support. Results showed that parents' stress levels were predicted mainly by psychological rather than demographic variables. Adaptive coping strategies, informal social…