Family Dynamics
Raising an Autistic Child
Family Dynamics
Raising an Autistic Child
Dr. Denise van Brocklin from Avenues of Counseling delivered an insightful presentation focused on the unique challenges and strategies involved in parenting children with Autism compared to neurotypical children.
Key points included:
- Behavior as Communication: Understanding that a child’s behavior conveys messages, often related to changes in routine or sensory overload.
- Cognitive Processing: Recognizing that children with Autism may struggle with cause and effect and often require more time to process their environment.
- Importance of Consistency: Establishing clear expectations and using simple, step-by-step instructions is crucial.
- Proactive Engagement: Being involved in your child’s interests and maintaining consistent boundaries can enhance their development.
- Use of Visual Aids: Tools like social stories and picture schedules can help reinforce concepts and expectations.
- Self-Care and Support: Parents are encouraged to prioritize their own well-being and seek help from community resources to manage stress.
The presentation emphasized that children with Autism, while needing different approaches, require the same love and support as their neurotypical peers. By adopting these strategies, parents can create a nurturing environment that celebrates their child’s unique strengths and fosters growth.
Meet the Speaker
Denise VanBrocklin, PsyD, Post Doctoral Candidate
Avenues of Counselling
I enjoy working with a variety of individuals (adults or children) who are facing challenges in their day-to-day lives. I assist individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma or grief. While living in Alaska, I had experience in working with veterans with PTSD. I offer counseling tailored to address the unique challenges of first responders and other high-stress professions, and their families; including trauma, anxiety, and relationship dynamics. My approach focuses on resilience-building and emotional well-being, providing a safe space for clients to navigate their experiences and strengthen their support systems. I have a special interest in working with veterans and families of individuals with autism, as I am the parent of young adult with autism, as well as the parent of a combat veteran.
Additional Information
Articles & Guides
- Autism and Family Relationships
- Discusses how Autism affects family relationships and offers insights into coping strategies.
- Brothers, sisters, and Autism: a Parent’s Guide to Supporting Siblings
- Offers advice on helping siblings understand and their Autistic brother or sister.
- The Role of Family Dynamics in Supporting Children with Autism
- Families with Autistic children can foster harmony through love, patience, and tailored therapies that actively engage the child, enhancing understanding and communication.
Books
- “The Reason I Jump” by Naoki Higashida
- A profound perspective on autism from a non-speaking individual, offering insights into the experiences of Autistic children.
- The Explosive Child [Sixth Edition]: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children
- Now in its revised 6th edition, this groundbreaking approach by a distinguished clinician helps parents understand and manage explosive children—those who react to routine problems with severe outbursts, leaving parents feeling frustrated and desperate for effective solutions.
- “The Autism Book: What Every Parent Needs to Know” by Robert W. Melillo and his colleagues
- A comprehensive guide covering various aspects of Autism, including behavior management and educational strategies
Lending Library
- OCALI Lending Library
- The OCALI Lending Library is available to any person over the age of 18 residing or working in the state of Ohio. It offers a range of resources for families, educators, and professionals working with individuals with Autism and related disabilities. The library provides access to books, DVDs, assessment tools, and educational materials, focusing on best practices, strategies, and support for individuals with special needs. Users can borrow materials to enhance their understanding and improve the support they provide.
Podcasts
- The Autism Dad
- The Autism Dad Podcast, hosted by Rob Gorski, explores parenting kids on the autism spectrum. It features discussions about challenges, insights, and interviews with experts, creating a supportive community for parents navigating similar experiences.
- Uniquely Human: The Podcast
- Uniquely Human: The Podcast expands the conversation on Autism and neurodiversity by amplifying the voices of Autistic individuals and thought leaders in providing insightful, cutting-edge and practical information about the Autistic experience.
- Spectrumly Speaking
- A podcast that explores the experiences of women and non-binary individuals on the Autism spectrum, discussing topics like personal stories, advocacy, and mental health.
Online Courses
- Autism Navigator Family Resources
- Offers online modules to help parents understand and support their Autistic children.
- Pediatric Improvement Network for Quality (PINQ) Developmental Resources
- List of activities and videos that can be done in the family’s home or community to encourage a child’s development.
This resource bank aims to support parents in navigating the unique challenges of raising an Autistic child while promoting healthy family dynamics. Autism Society of Greater Akron does not endorse any specific treatments, programs, therapies, or professionals providing those therapies. All information is provided FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Parents and advocates are responsible for the choice of any treatment, therapy or service provider. Inclusion of any information or organization in this communication does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval.
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