In New Jersey, approximately 1 in 34 families are raising a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Professionals treating individuals with ASD must not only provide high-quality services to the individuals with ASD, but also support to their families. Teachers, psychologists, behavior analysts, medical personnel, and other professionals can benefit from an understanding of the family experience and its impact on their relationship with the family. Autism: The Family Experience will provide valuable insight into the everyday lives of parents and siblings of individuals with ASD. Dr. Kate Fiske will summarize the research on the experiences of family members living with and raising individuals with ASD, and a panel of parents and siblings will provide additional insight into those experiences. Recommendations for how best to support family members of children and adults with ASD will be provided.
3 CE credits for psychologist or BCBAs available for $25 (payment information provided with registration confirmation)
Instructional level: Intermediate
Learning objectives:
Participants will be able to:
1. Describe the impact of a child’s diagnosis of ASD on parents’ mental health and well-being over time.
2. State methods that can be used to increase rapport with parents during treatment for individuals with ASD.
3. Describe how having a brother or sister with ASD will impact siblings’ relationships with peers and family members.
4. List ways in which professionals can support siblings, including how they can be included in their brother or sister’s treatment.