What challenges do family caregivers of adult children with autism face?
Answer
Family caregivers, as noted by Marsack & Perry (2018), Marsack-Topolewski (2020), and Marsack-Topolewski & Wilson (2021), encounter multifaceted day-to-day challenges. These challenges, which include physical and emotional aspects, contribute to the complex caregiving landscape. The physical strain experienced by family caregivers, particularly those in their seventies engaged in demanding tasks like lifting, is a critical concern. Occupational therapy practitioners play a vital role in addressing these challenges by providing practical solutions and recommendations, emphasizing the significance of collaboration between social workers and OTPs. This collaboration ensures a holistic approach to caregiving support, addressing the immediate physical challenges and the emotional well-being of family caregivers.
Christina Marsack-Topolewski, LMSW, PhD, is a licensed social worker and an Associate Professor of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. She received her bachelor of science in Special Education from Wayne State University, a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and her PhD in Social Work with a dual title in Gerontology from Wayne State University. She has 20 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family caregivers. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has worked as a professor, clinical therapist, teacher, consultant, and speaker. She has published over 80 research articles in scholarly journals and encyclopedias regarding individuals with disabilities, family caregiving, aging, and dementia. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has been the lead principal investigator on multiple grant-funded programs tailoring services for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and chronic illnesses. She is an appointed board member of the U.S. National Task Group (NTG) on Intellectual Disability and Dementia Practices. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski’s research has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR) and ABC News Detroit. Over the past five years, she testified before members of the Michigan Legislature to advocate for new laws that protect against the exploitation and abuse of adults with disabilities. The first of these house bills was signed into law in Michigan in December 2023. In 2024, she received the Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Research Award for Research Excellence. In addition, she received the Arc of Oakland County’s Advocacy Hall of Fame Award in 2024.
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