Through a Parent's Lens: Understanding and Supporting Families of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Description
The experiences of family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unique, and the relationships present unique challenges. For parents of individuals with ASD, parents’ level of stress negatively impacts child outcome in response to intervention (Osborne et al., 2008). However, research indicates that support and training from professionals can reduce parental mental health concerns (Iadarola et al., 2018). Further, some research in related disciplines indicates that professional empathy can improve patient adherence to treatment (Beach et al., 2006). Taken together, professionals who incorporate empathy and effective parent training into their work with families have the potential to maximize treatment benefit.
This workshop, designed for behavior analysts and other professionals working with individuals with ASD, as well as family members, aims to increase professional understanding of family members’ experiences and how best to support them during treatment for the child with ASD. Dr. Fiske will summarize the research on the impact of raising a child with ASD on the mental health and relationships of parents and caregivers. Strategies for building rapport with and supporting caregivers during treatment will be provided.
To illustrate what is known from research, Dr. Fiske will share clips from the film, “Love and Communication,” written and directed by a parent of a child with autism, and a panel of parents will voice their experiences as they are related to the topics Dr. Fiske covers.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Describe the impact of a child’s diagnosis of ASD on parents’ mental health and well-being over time.
- Identify variables in the family environment that can impact the stress experienced by parents.
- State methods that can be used to increase rapport with parents during treatment for individuals with ASD.
Instructor Bio
Dr. Kate Fiske is the founder and director of North Star Family Autism Center. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and a board certified behavior analyst. She has worked in the field of autism treatment for over 20 years, and her clinical work and research focuses on best-practice approaches to teaching children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A particular focus of her work centers on providing support to family members and other caregivers of individuals with ASD. Dr. Fiske is an affiliate faculty member at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology of Rutgers University-New Brunswick, where she also served as a clinical faculty member at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center (DDDC) for 12 years. Dr. Fiske has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and is the author of the book, Autism and the Family: Understanding and Supporting Parents and Siblings.
Dr. Fiske does not have any conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu or call (848) 445-3987
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
Rutgers University- New Brunswick, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology is an approved provider of BCBA continuing education credits. “The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (“BACB”) does not sponsor, approve or endorse Rutgers University- New Brunswick, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, the materials, information or sessions identified herein.”
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.