“The family can be defined as a biological entity, as a legal entity or as a social network with personally constructed ties and ideologies” (Potter, Perry, Ross-Kerr and Wood , 2006 ). The purpose of this article is to discuss the impact that a chronic illness can have on a family's life and how to best intervene as a nurse. Our article will be developed by addressing the difficulties faced when dealing with an autistic child in What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Matalon, Ohlsson, Teper, & Hallstrom, 1993) and how this affects the family, the priorities of the Calgary Family Assessment Model ( CFAM), the Calgary Family Intervention Model (CFIM), and the rationale behind the film and the CFAM/CFIM. From the elaboration of the document it is clear that a chronic illness can cause tension within a family; therefore, by developing a therapeutic relationship, nurses are able to provide support to these families when they face adversity. Summary of Chronic Illness in Gilbert Grape In the film What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Matalon et. al, 1993) the family deals with the chronic illness of autism. “Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder that dramatically affects the lives of patients, their families and the broader community.” (Altevogt, Hanson, & Leshner, 2008) Autism controls the physical, psychological, and social well-being of this family. “Parents of children with autism experience a variety of chronic and acute stressors that can erode family functioning.” (Solomon and Chung, 2012). Depicted in the film, autism can take a physical toll on family members. Since Arnie doesn't go to school or work, the family has to take on the extra responsibility of caring for him; therefore, adding to the rest of the tasks they have to do on a daily basis. “Often… midway through this document… a meaningful relationship with the Grape family and providing them with information about these existing programs and resources can help empower them to take action and work to improve verbal communication with Arnie and the rest of the family. In conclusion, "families are as diverse as the individuals that comprise them." (Potter et. al, 2006) 1993) and how it affects the family, CFAM, CFIM priorities and the rationale behind both the film and CFAM/CFIM. Through the correlation of this development we will incorporate what we have learned into our future practices of this article, nurses are able to relieve the stress caused by a chronic illness within a family, creating a trusting and therapeutic relationship..