Culturally adapted cognitive behavior family therapy for Asian American families of children with developmental disabilities

The prevalence of children with developmental disabilities has been growing in the past 10 years. Asian Americans are becoming the fastest immigrant group recently, mental health services for Asian American families of children with developmental disabilities will be increasingly needed in the next 20 or 30 years. Families of children with developmental disabilities usually experience stress, grief, and isolation, and other psychological symptoms. Asian American parents may experience higher stress and other difficulties such as stigma due to their cultural background, discrimination, and different acculturation status.;A treatment model for Asian American families of children with developmental disabilities was developed through the guidance of the Developmental and Research Utilization (DRU) Model. Phase I (Analysis) and Phase II (Development) of the Research of the DRU Model was utilized. Analysis involved identifying problematic human condition and the purpose of change through comprehensive literature review and interview with professional working with the population. Development included extensive literature review of studies of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), the addition of novel components, such as behavior parent training (BPT) and structural family therapy (SFT), and construction of a product. Cultural sensitive approach for Asian American families was also explored and incorporated in the product. An Integrative Cognitive Behavior Family Therapy (CBFT) Treatment Model for Asian American Families was developed.;The research reaffirmed the effectiveness of CBT techniques such as coping skills training, cognitive restructuring, problem solving, and communication skills training to the target population. It is further suggested that clinicians working with the target population may consider incorporating SFT and BPT.