
Autism Support for Caregivers
About the Group
A supportive space for parents of children with autism to connect, share experiences, and gain tools to navigate challenges and celebrate successes together.
Dates & Times: Tuesdays 7:00-8:00pm
Group Therapist:
Elizabeth Vargas, LMFT << click here to visit her bio page.
Interested in joining? Click here to fill out our group interest form.
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1. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Objective: Educate caregivers about autism, its characteristics, and how it manifests in different individuals.
Key Topics: What is ASD? Common traits and behaviors, sensory processing challenges, social communication difficulties, and repetitive behaviors.
Activities: Group discussion about personal experiences and common misconceptions. Provide informational handouts or visual aids.
Goal: Help caregivers feel informed and empowered by understanding the broader picture of ASD.
2. Effective Communication Strategies
Objective: Equip caregivers with tools to improve communication with their loved ones with autism.
Key Topics: Non-verbal communication, augmentative communication tools (PECS, communication boards), and using visual schedules.
Activities: Role-playing communication scenarios, practicing specific strategies, and brainstorming ways to improve communication at home.
Goal: Caregivers will learn practical ways to facilitate better communication with their child or family member.
3. Managing Challenging Behaviors
Objective: Provide strategies for understanding and managing challenging behaviors often seen in individuals with autism.
Key Topics: Triggers, sensory overload, meltdowns vs. tantrums, positive behavior reinforcement, and de-escalation techniques.
Activities: Case studies where caregivers share experiences and discuss possible interventions. Role-playing de-escalation techniques.
Goal: Teach caregivers how to recognize triggers and how to respond in a calm and constructive manner.
4. Self-Care for Caregivers
Objective: Encourage caregivers to prioritize their own mental and emotional well-being.
Key Topics: The importance of self-care, stress management, setting boundaries, and asking for help when needed.
Activities: Mindfulness exercises, deep breathing techniques, and creating a self-care plan. Group discussion on how to integrate self-care into daily routines.
Goal: Caregivers learn how to manage their own stress and maintain their well-being in order to better care for their loved ones.
5. Building a Support Network
Objective: Help caregivers connect with others and create a strong network of support.
Key Topics: The value of support groups, respite care, accessing local and online resources, and how to ask for help from others.
Activities: Group introductions to build connections, sharing local resources, and discussing how to build a team of professionals (therapists, doctors, educators).
Goal: Caregivers will feel less isolated and know where to turn for help.
6. Planning for the Future: Advocacy and Resources
Objective: Prepare caregivers for long-term planning, including educational, legal, and financial aspects of supporting an individual with autism.
Key Topics: Navigating the school system (IEPs and 504 plans), legal rights, financial planning, and long-term care.
Activities: Group brainstorming on advocacy tips, how to create and advocate for an effective IEP, and discussing local/state services available for future planning.
Goal: Caregivers feel more prepared for the future and equipped with advocacy tools.