Reframing the launching phase of the life cycle for families with developmentally disabled offspring

Families with developmentally disabled offspring face many atypical challenges. One of the most difficult is deciding if, when, and where the offspring should live outside the home. This is a decision-making process marked by uncertainty and limited options. This research project highlighted the unique challenges of this "launching phase" in the family's life cycle, and proposed a pilot treatment program designed to facilitate a successful negotiation of the transition. This project is part of a more comprehensive study of families in transition.;The project studied the families of 13 developmentally disabled offspring who were in the launching phase of the family life cycle. It assessed the availability and the family's use of resources regarding the placement process, optimism about the launching process, and overall level of perceived family functioning. All 13 families took part in an initial family assessment. The Resource Group (seven families) received a more traditional treatment of biweekly phone contacts and a list of resources that could help facilitate the placement process. The Consultation Group (six families) received four family consultation sessions employing techniques derived from life cycle theory and the use of rituals to facilitate a more successful negotiation of the placement process. Follow-up assessments were done at the end of treatment for both groups.;It was found that families in the Consultation Group utilized more resources and expressed more optimism about the launching process than did families in the more traditional Resource Group. No differences were found between the two groups with regards to overall family functioning.