Each student will complete a full assessment of family dynamics of an individual with a disability. Please select someone early in the semester since this session will move very quickly. Keep in mind that this assessment is based on an intensive interview with the volunteer individual with a disability. (Autism level 2) (Rehabilitaion counseling)
Assessment of Family Dynamics
Part I: What are the Dynamics of this Family
Family dynamics describes the various factors that influence how family members relate to and interact with one another. Some typical family dynamics include family roles, structure, and socioeconomic status. Understanding family dynamics is essential for effective case management because our patients’ outcomes are likely to be influenced by their families.
Let’s examine a few common family dynamics.
Roles: Family roles describe how a family member identifies or is perceived within their family. A family role is largely determined by behavior. Some common family roles include scapegoat, nurturer, peace-maker, truth-teller, rescuer, and cheerleader. Family roles typically develop in response to a family problem or crisis. If a father and a child have a conflictual relationship, for example, a mother may take on the role of peace-maker.
Structure: The structure of a family describes how the family is organized. Is the patient a single mother? Is the patient experiencing a divorce? Is the patient being raised by their grandparents? The initial structure of the family and any shifts that occur during the process can influence goal setting.
Socioeconomic status (SES): A patient’s socioeconomic status (SES) refers to their financial background. The SES of a patient’s family is significant because it is an indicator of the number of resources the patient needs. It also indicates the degree to which the patient may be able to access resources. A patient from a lower SES, for example, may have limited access to resources. Also, the presence of a crisis or stressful event may create financial distress.
Part II: Case Management and the Family
A case manager’s primary goal when working with a patient or client and their family is to help the family adapt while enduring the vocational rehabilitation process. First, we will explore the factors that help or hinder adjustment. Then, we will examine how family dynamics influence family adjustment. Which factors help the family to adjust? Which factors hinder family adjustment? What are the multicultural, ethical and legal issues?
Part III. Summary
Review the family dynamics of your case. Discuss the influence of the family’s role and structure with regards to the client’s rehabilitation process. What are the attitudes and values of client and the family. Discuss the chances of you getting this person to work.
Resources:
Power textbook
Buckmaster, R., Guerin, S., O’Leary, T., & McNulty, M. (2021) Exploration of family dynamics in adults who self‐harm: a multi‐perspective approach. Journal of Family Therapy November 2021
Frush Holt, R., Kronenberger, W. G. & Pisoni, D. B. (2022) Family Environmental Dynamics Differentially Influence Spoken Language Development in Children With and Without Hearing Loss. Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research 65(1): 361-377
