Outline

There is a disorder called theASD.

• Linking DSM-5® diagnostic criteria to real life issues
• Behavioral issues and sensory integration
• The Gift of ASD

Marital Conflict Interventions.

• Communication assessment tool to measure skills and needs
• Self-care techniques to manage stress and ` build resilience
• Calming strategies for distress, conflict and depression
• Identify stages of grief and loss through
• Contextual Family Therapy
• Financial resources and supports

There are interventions for parental attachment.

• Tools to measure parent/child attachment
• Narrative Therapy to re-author the family story
• Motivational Interviewing to explore emotions
• Promote attachment and increase family functioning
• Decrease conflict, resentment and exasperation

There are sibling attachment interventions.

• First person stories to identify jealousy, confusion and resentment
• Scripts, letters and art activities to increase sibling attachment
• Age-appropriate strategies to address confusion and social isolation

Family cohesion interventions.

• Communication – Increase expressive/ receptive and verbal/nonverbal skills
• Social Pragmatics – Develop social language skills, expressing emotions and social skills
• Sensory – Sensory Integration behavior checklist
• FAQ form to address denial, insensitivity and abandonment
• “Ask Cards” to request specific help from extended family members

Figuring out how to navigate IDEA, IEPs and teachers.

• Special needs acts and laws
• Effective IEP goals and accommodations
• Guidelines of parental rights and advocacy
• Strategies to help parents advocate for their child
• Handout of area special needs attorneys and advocates

There are activities for the self of the therapist.

• Personal beliefs about ability and disability
• Disability awareness group activity

The case study is based on real life families.

• Video demonstration of ASD family therapy interventions
• Ready-to-use treatment planning form