PreK – 5: www.edweb.net/autism Grades 6 – 12: www.edweb.net/eden2 Working with Families Presented by Nina Finkler, Eden Autism Services Monday, November 26, 2012 For webinars, recordings, and discussions… Join Teaching Students with Autism on edWeb: PreK – 5: www.edweb.net/autism Grades 6 – 12: www.edweb.net/eden2 Thank you to our sponsors edenautism.org RossierOnline.usc.edu

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Webinar Tips Use the text chat! Post comments, ask questions, get support. For better audio/video, close any other applications (like Skype) that use bandwidth. To maximize your screen for a larger view, use the link in the upper right corner. A link to the recording of this webinar and your CE certificate will be sent to you the day after the webinar. Tweeting? @edwebnet @edenautism, @uscteacher #edchat #autism

Working with Families

Stages of Grief Many of the families that we our working with are at different stages of grief due to having a child with a disability. Denial (This isn't happening to me!) Anger (Why is this happening to me?) Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...) Depression (I don't care anymore.) Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes.)

Depending on their stage of grief, it is hard to understand why some families do what they do. We may not personally agree with all of the decisions they make, but we must be professional and respect their right to feel as they do and to make decisions based on what they think is best for their son/daughter.

Ways of Being More Effective Working with Families: As a new employee, you won’t have all the answers. If a parent asks you a question and you don’t know the answer, bump it up to your supervisor. Never guess or make up an answer. Be honest and straightforward while being compassionate. Present a balance between reality and hope.

Work on building trust and rapport. Don't inject negative thoughts about their son/daughter or project doubt about the family's ability to handle challenges. Allow parents to express emotions. Remember that you are not walking in their shoes. Keep in mind that you CHOSE to work with in this field. Parents do not CHOOSE to have a child with autism.

Admit you don't know all the answers Admit you don't know all the answers. Express a willingness to search for answers. Always let individuals/families know when something negative or positive has happened - especially the positive moments. Be professional at all times with the families. Once someone loses respect for you, its gone.

Q&A Type your questions or comments in the text chat box at the bottom of your screen.

Continue the conversation… All webinar attendees will be emailed a CE certificate for participating in today’s webinar. Join the online community…. Teaching Students with Autism PreK – 5: www.edweb.net/autism Grades 6 – 12: www.edweb.net/eden2 Ongoing discussions Invitations to upcoming webinars Webinar recordings and archives CE quizzes

Managing Self-Stimulatory Behaviors Join us for the next webinar Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 4pm Eastern Time Managing Self-Stimulatory Behaviors Presented by Nina Finkler, Eden Autism Services Bookmark this link for all future webinars: www.instantpresenter.com/edweb7

Thank you to our sponsors edenautism.org RossierOnline.usc.edu