Navigating Autistic Burnout as an Autistic Parent

• By: Danielle Aubin, LCSW My Autistic Therapist
• October 2nd, 2023
• actually autistic, anxiety, autistic burnout, autistic parents, burnout, Fall 2023 Issue, neurodivergence, neurodivergent children, parenting, preventing burnout, recovery, rest, self-awareness, self-care, self-compassion, setting boundaries, support
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Being an autistic parent is hard. When your kids are also neurodivergent, this can make life even more challenging when trying to navigate everyone’s complex, often diametrically opposed needs. When we need space, a lot of the time our children need connection and closeness, and we can become...

Your Child Has Just Been Diagnosed with Autism – Now What?

• By: Ann-Marie Sabrsula, MS The Arc Westchester Children’s School for Early Development
• October 2nd, 2023
• accessing services, advocating needs, autism diagnosis, building partnerships, coping strategies, early intervention, Fall 2023 Issue, managing stress, multi-modal approach, parent support groups, processing emotions, self-care, support network, tailored treatment
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Every family has their own personal journey towards an autism diagnosis for their child. Whether it brings the confirmation of what may have been suspected or the news of something completely unexpected, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder can have a significant impact on a family. Like the...

Beyond the Autism Diagnosis: Understanding the Multifaceted Needs of Parents

• By: Heidi Hillman, PhD, BCBA-D, LMHC
• October 2nd, 2023
• accessing services, actually autistic, advocating needs, autism diagnosis, building partnerships, coping strategies, early intervention, Fall 2023 Issue, managing stress, multi-modal approach, parent support groups, processing emotions, self-care, support network, tailored treatment
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As the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increases, so does the number of parents trying to navigate the complexities that accompany an autism diagnosis. Raising an autistic child is challenging for many parents, and many reported higher levels of stress compared to...

Autism and Marriage: Making Your Relationship Work Under the Pressures of Caregiving

• By: Mary Ann Hughes, MBA Special Family Transitions LLC
• October 2nd, 2023
• acceptance, burnout, caregivers, depression, divorce, Fall 2023 Issue, marriage, parents, relationships, respite, self-care, support network
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Having a child with autism can certainly put strain on a marriage. I should know. After over 20 years of marriage with two children on the autism spectrum, my marriage came to an end. So why am I writing an article about making your relationship work? Because it’s too important not to. My...

Self-Care is Not Selfish: The Important Role Self-Care Plays in Promoting Good Outcomes in Autistic Individuals

• By: Suzanne Muench, MSS, LCSW Melmark
• October 2nd, 2023
• burnout, caregivers, Fall 2023 Issue, family training, health and wellness, resource sharing, self-care, self-regulation
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Self-care is one of those buzzword phrases that often goes in one ear and promptly out the other. Well-meaning clinicians, and even the latest podcast gurus, talk about prioritizing self-care in a world that is constantly demanding more and more of your time and energy as a family member. We are in...

“Reflecting on the Journey” – A Retreat for Parents of Autistic Family Members

• By: Barry M. Prizant, PhD, CCC-SLP Childhood Communication Services, University of Rhode Island Elaine C. Meyer, PhD, RN Harvard Medical School Barbara Domingue, MEd Community Autism Resources
• October 2nd, 2023
• caregivers, community building, emotional support, Fall 2023 Issue, family support, fun, improved relationships, parenting challenges, parents, reflection, respite, rest, retreat, self-care, social support networking, stress management, stress relief
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This past year marked the 25th anniversary year of our annual weekend retreat for parents of young and adult autistic individuals. This innovative family support activity has become a highlight of the year for us, and for many of the approximately 60 parents of autistic family members who join us...

Getting Ready for Summer Camp: Tips for Parents

• By: Brianna Fitchett, MA, BCBA Catalight
• June 5th, 2023
• advocacy, inclusion, respite, self-care, skill development, Stress Reduction, summer camp, visual schedules
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While kids prepare and look forward to the fun of summer break, as a parent you may be feeling stressed about months of hectic schedules, impromptu events, and later bedtimes. Let’s face it, for parents, summer’s promise of fun can quickly become a difficult and stressful time. For...

Person-Centered Early Intervention Program: A Whole Family Approach

• By: Danielle Nabinger, MSW Amerigroup Georgia Rebecca Lyons, MPH Shelley R. Schoenfeld GoMo Health
• April 11th, 2023
• anxiety, assessment, caregiver burnout, depression, early intervention, Early Intervention Concierge Program, emotional health, family, increase in diagnoses, parenting, self-care, Spring 2023 Issue, stress, supporting caregivers, treatment
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The prevalence of autism is at an all-time high. Today, we all seem to know a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to estimates from the CDC, the rate of autism has more than tripled over the span of two decades: from one in 150 in 2000, to one in...

Making Space for Mourning: A Grief Support Session

• By: Lori Lerner, LMSW, RYT-200 hr. Services for the UnderServed (S:US)
• September 29th, 2022
• compassion, death, empathy, Fall 2022 Issue, feelings, grief, grief support, grief symptoms, healing, loss, memories, mourning, self-care
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As the Coordinator of Family and Wellness in the Developmental Disabilities Division at Services for the UnderServed (S:US) and a social worker with extensive experience in providing grief support, I am often requested to administer grief support to people with intellectual/developmental...

Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Home: How to Thrive as a Family Unit

• By: Sheila Simchon, LSP, LCSW Samantha Curiale-Feinman, MSEd, TSHH New Frontiers Executive Function Coaching
• October 1st, 2020
• best practices, challenging behavior, fall 2020 issue, family, mindfulness, neurodiversity, self-care, siblings, support groups
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Various research studies have shown that early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is important for providing the tools and strategies needed for long term success in areas such as education, career, and life in general (McEachin, Smith, & Lovaas, 1993). It is...