Systemy i rodzaje wsparcia społecznego rodziny z dzieckiem autystyczny

Childhood autism and other pervasive developmental disorders constitute a se-rious social problem. Developmental disorders and abnormalities visible from the very ear-ly childhood disrupt functioning of a child in cognitive, emotional and social spheres and domains. Parents of autistic children encounter a number of problems. Care of and raising a child with autism spectrum may disturb functioning of a family in all areas as is reflected in practice and in scientific research. Whether a family overcomes the difficulties depends on the resources which a family possesses and on social support. The aim of the article is to present both professional (formal) and informal systems of social support and the assessment of social support experienced by a family