CHAPTER 7
FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS
Chapter Outline
I. American Families
II. Understanding Families
A. Family Paradigms Model
III. Family Systems
A. Family Characteristics
B. Family Interactions
IV. Family Life
A. Interpreting Disability
1. Denial
2. Depression
3. Anger and Guilt
4. Bargaining
5. Acceptance
6. Other Perspectives
B. Collaborating and Advocating
1. Accessing Educational Resources
C. Meeting the Demands of the Life Span
V. Summary
Key Terms
family
paradigms model
adaptability model
developmental model
family systems
family characteristics
Chapter Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter the student will be able to:
1. describe various conceptualizations of family models.
2. explain relationships between key components of family systems model.
Suggested Activities
1. Have the students write a paper describing the experiences which took place in their
families, such as communication styles, characteristics, relationships with siblings, and
any stressors they may have encountered within the family. In addition, have them to
write their conclusions on how these factors may have contributed to a stable or unstable
home life.
2. Have the class create a scenario of a family who is dealing with the death of a parent who
was the main caretaker of a child with an intellectual disability. Then have them map out
Evaluation Questions
Multiple Choice
1. The ______ represents the most basic and critical unit of a culture, the one with the
strongest and most enduring influences.
A. church
B. community
C. education system
D. family
2. Single parents now head ______ of U.S. family households, to which 78% of the U.S.
population belong.
A. 48%
B. 32%
C. 17%
D. 8%
3. In 2000, the percent of family households headed by married couples decreased _____
from the 1990 U.S. census.
A. 15%
B. 12%
C. 8%
D. 3%
4. Multigenerational households are more likely to be found in ______ areas.
A. rural
B. urban
C. suburban
D. poverty stricken
5. According to data from 1995, about ______ of adults with intellectual disabilities lived
with their spouse as compared with 47% of all adults in the general population.
A. 50%
B. 32%
C. 21%
D. 7%
6. Data indicates that among individuals with intellectual disabilities not living in large
public residential facilities ______ live with relatives as compared with 41% of
people in the general population.
A. 85%
B. 75%
C. 65%
D. 55%
7. The ______ is based on a sociological framework which focuses on the interactions
of family members.
A. family paradigms model
B. developmental model
C. adaptability model
D. family systems
8. Which model classifies families into one of three different types based on their
interpretations of and responses to events around them?
A. family paradigms model
B. developmental model
C. adaptability model
D. family systems
9. ______ consist of people who see their life events as both knowable and orderly, and
all family members are expected to contribute to the sharing of ideas and efforts of
orderly family functioning.
A. environmentally sensitive families
B. interpersonally distant families
C. consensus-sensitive families
D. idealistic families
10. ______ consist primarily of detached family members, loners, and those for whom
independence is critically important.
A. environmentally sensitive families
B. interpersonally distant families
C. consensus-sensitive families
D. idealistic families
11. The Alvarez family lives in a quiet area outside of the city limits. They travel to the
city only once every two weeks to buy essentials for their home. In addition, they
engage in activities in a cohesive manner and become extremely upset if a family
member strays away from their belief system. Which of the following types of
families most resemble the Alvarez family?
A. environmentally sensitive family
B. interpersonally distant family
C. consensus-sensitive family
D. idealistic family
12. A ______ includes concepts typically used in the physical sciences.
A. developmental model
B. adaptability model
C. family paradigms model
D. family systems model
13. ______ forces are those that draw a family together.
A. centrifugal
B. central
C. centripetal
D. conforming
14. The members of the Greene family refuse to communicate with one another and are
constantly bickering. What type of forces is representative of this family?
A. centrifugal
B. central
C. centripetal
D. conforming
15. The ______ helps to explain how various characteristics and interactions of families
over time influence members’ experiences both in special education and the larger
society.
A. adaptability model
B. developmental model
C. family paradigms model
D. family systems theory
16. According to research, it has been found that fathers of children with intellectual
disabilities are highly involved in _____
A. childrearing
B. homemaking roles
C. work-related roles
D. custodial roles
17. The major determinant of the psychological health and well being of the child is the
psychological health and well being of the.
A. family unit
B. siblings
C. parents
D. extended family
18. A family’s ability to organize itself, to solve problems, and to grow and change in light of
challenges faced all depend upon the family’s
A. ability to communication
B. coping ability
C. level of health and well being
D. dynamics, coping ability, and parenting skills
19. What organization housed in Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Seattle,
Washington, sponsors workshops for children, publishes a newsletter, and provides
materials for teachers and counselors who work with siblings of children with
disabilities?
A. Children and Families Involved
B. National Association of Sibling Programs
C. Siblings United
D. Families Congregating Together
20. ______ essentially means how families take action to meet members’ individual and
collective needs.
A. family functioning
B. family interaction
C. family system
D. family characteristic
21. The five stages of acceptance of a disability, corresponds with
A. Piaget’s stages of development
B. Kubler–Ross’ stages of grieving model
C. Erickson’s stages of development
D. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
22. In accordance with the five stages of acceptance of a disability, upon learning a
child has intellectual disabilities, the first reaction families typically have is
A. a shaken sense of identity
B. a sense of increased frustration
C. a sense of denial
D. excitement for the new challenge
23. Tammy is a two month old baby who has been recently diagnosed with cerebral
palsy. Upon learning of her disability, her parents immediately scheduled
appointments with two other physicians to find a cure for Tammy. This stage is
most closely related to
A. denial
B. depression
C. bargaining
D. anger
24. The term that is used to describe family-centered involvement and decision making
is
A. empowerment
B. inclusion
C. supportive system
D. none of the above
25. Values of normalcy, independence, and self-determination are heavily embedded in
A. family systems
B. person-centered planning
C. wraparound services
D. supportive services
26. In ______ the individual with intellectual disabilities and his or her family members
actively participate with teachers and other professionals to address educational
needs and strengths, as well as to develop plans for postsecondary life.
A. person-centered planning
B. supportive services
C. wraparound services
D. family systems
27. Fewer than ______ of all people with intellectual disabilities receive care in institutions
or residential care facilities.
A. 40%
B. 25%
C. 15%
D. 5%
28. ______ can include respite care, family counseling, behavior training, and support
groups for parents and siblings.
A. family support services
B. supportive services
C. wraparound services
D. family systems
29. Approximately ______ of all people with disabilities were employed in 2000.
A. 72%
B. 54%
C. 44%
D. 24%
30. Sandy told her friend that she had to leave her party early to return home to a
meeting regarding her son who has Fragile X syndrome. The meeting which was
held in Sandy’s home included a case manager, a treatment team, as well as
Sandy’s immediate family members. This service which was provided to Sandy and
her family is called
A. family systems
B. person-centered planning
C. wraparound services
D. supportive services
True or False
Directions: If the statement is true, simply mark True. If the statement is false, mark
False and rewrite the statement so that it is true.
1. An increasing number of American children are growing up in single parent households.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. The aging process of family members with and without intellectual disabilities are
driving forces behind decisions about their future.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Increased levels of stress occur in all families who have members with intellectual
disabilities.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. The individual represents the simplest yet oldest social unit of humankind.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
5. Interpersonal relationships comprise the cornerstone of a family’s existence.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
6. The diversity of the U.S. school aged population is increasing, while the diversity of our
teaching force has remained fairly homogenous.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
7. In 2000, data indicated that 18% of the population spoke a language other than English.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
8. Based on 1995 data, the most recent available American divorce/separation rates range
from 40% to 60% within the first five years of marriage.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
9. Active involvement in parental support groups has been associated with positive stress
management functioning in families.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
10. A study was conducted in which one-third of the siblings of individuals with disabilities
stated that they intend to live with their sibling upon moving him or her out of the
parental home.
a. True
b. False
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Discussion
1. Mr. and Mrs. Goldstein recently discovered their newborn David has profound
intellectual disabilities. Throughout Mrs. Goldstein’s pregnancy, she was told that her
baby appeared to be healthy. Identify and discuss the five stages that are typical for
parents and family members in their situation.
2. Discuss key characteristics of family.
3. Discuss the major forces influencing family functioning.
4. List and describe the factors influencing relationships between families and practicing
professionals.
5. Compare and contrast components of the family systems model.
6. Discuss the role siblings play in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Answer Sheet
Multiple Choice True or False