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Couples raising a child diagnosed with autism spectrum condition (ASC) experience unique challenges that can affect their relationship. This grounded theory study explores how couples maintain functioning in their relationship despite ongoing stressors related to raising a child on the spectrum. The presented model shows what couples can do to create and maintain their relationship functioning. It utilises four major themes developed from our analysis of interviews with 19 couples in the United States with a child diagnosed with ASC. This study increases understanding of couple functioning when raising a child on the spectrum. The grounded theory defines couple functioning for couples with a child diagnosed with ASC as balancing four mutually influential themes: togetherness, adaptability, resilience and communication. We also discuss clinical implications for systemic therapists to work with couples with a child diagnosed with ASC effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pregnancy loss is a traumatic event that affects many families. 1 in 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage, and 1–2 out of every 100 births are stillbirths. Mothers report depression, shame, and guilt following a pregnancy loss. They also report a lack of social and emotional support, as Western culture tends to discourage mothers from grieving. Additionally, the impact on partners often goes unnoticed, as pregnancy loss is primarily framed as a birth parent's issue. As couples struggle to deal with the emotions of pregnancy loss, many approach the process of grieving in ways that inhibit healing, which can negatively impact their relationship. Given the potential difficulties, many couples seek therapy to help them with the challenges that may follow pregnancy loss. However, there is a lack of literature that discusses how to systemically treat pregnancy loss. This article aims to address that gap by presenting a narrative approach to treating pregnancy loss. Narrative therapy is a natural fit when treating grieving couples as it allows them to coauthor their story of loss and coauthor a story of healing. Narrative therapy provides a space for couples to share their story, externalize problems related to the loss, find unique outcomes to support an alternative story, and solidify a new narrative related to their pregnancy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Couples who have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder experience more stress than parents of neurotypical children. The purpose of this study is to understand the stress experiences of couples with a child diagnosed with autism and the meaning-making in their relationship. We conducted interviews with 18 couples (N = 36) utilizing a phenomenological methodology to collect and analyze the data. Themes for stress experienced by couples included the child's behaviors, taking out stress on one another, lack of resources, and accommodating the child. Themes for couples finding meaning in stress included togetherness, religious views, adaptability, prioritizing marriage, and communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]