1. MOVING BEYOND SURVIVING TO THRIVING!!
3/25/2017
AUTISM IN THE FAMILY:
MOVING BEYOND SURVIVING TO THRIVING!!
Stephanie C. Holmes, MA Certified Autism Specialist
NC ASD Conference Charlotte NC

2. ASD & Marriage Family Issues
Learning objectives: 1. Identify challenges and stressors that impact a marriage/family of those with an ASD family member 2. Explore the “new normal” diagnosis how it affects mom, dad& siblings 3. Develop skills and tools to build a stronger marriage and family

3. Previous Diagnostic Criteria Asperger’s (DSM-IV-TR)
Social Awkwardness/few or no friends
Obsessions/focused on one subject
Lack of eye contact/poor eye contact
Sensory issues (sensitive to noise, touch, sights, or how clothing feels) Can be Sensory Aversive or Sensory Seeking (spinning, swinging, hanging upside down etc.)
Odd speech/extreme logic/ proper speech

4. Anger or Aggression - Anxiety that turns to
Anger or Aggression - Anxiety that turns to frustration (may throw things or hit others) % may have more severe anger issues
CRAVES routine - anxious about new things or change in routine
Appears lost in own world at times - prefers solitary play
Communication problems, motor skill problems
Stimming behaviors (short for self-stimulation): flapping, rocking, repeating words when anxious

5. Restricted interests
Cannot tolerate change: new people, places, textures, foods, etc
Cannot initiate conversation
Perseverates
May also have intellectual challenges

6. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Occupational Therapy?
SPECIALIZED DIETS?
Medications?
Physical Therapy?
Chelation?
Prayer?
Hippotherapy?
Social Skills Training?
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?

7. National Health Statistics Reports
Prevalence of ASD
Let’s recap:
In 1985: 4 out of 10,000
In 1996: 3.4 out of 1,000
In 2004: 1 out 166
In 2006: 1 out 155
In 2011: 1 out of 100
National Health Statistics Reports
November 13, 2015
1 in 45
***CDC Reports 1 in 68**

8. Issues Families Face: Medical Finances Extended Family Relationships
Isolation
Physical Exhaustion
Education
Time Management
Ignorant People

9. STRATEGIES TO HELP: Couple must work on the MARITAL BOND
EACH parent must take care of themselves
Communication is VITAL
ASK FOR HELP
Take TIME together- get creative
REST
Become Child’s Advocate- everywhere (school, place of worship, family)

10. Self- Care Check List WEEKLY MONTHLY MONTHLY
What do I like?
What brings me joy?
What energizes me?
Where do I have peace?
What does relaxing mean to me?
WEEKLY
MONTHLY
MONTHLY
What am I doing just for me?
What would I enjoy dong with a spouse/significant other?
DAILY
Self- Care Check List
QUARTERLY
ANNUALLY
What do I like to do with a friend?

11. PARENTING SKILLS: PATIENCE ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS TOLERANCE
GRIEVING/ACCEPTING
PERMISSION TO REST
IMPORTANCE OF SPIRITUAL /MENTAL STRENGTH
DON’T NEGLECT CHILD/CHILDREN THAT DO NOT HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS

12. Resources from this author:
Confessions of a Christian Counselor
DVD sets:
Moving Beyond Surviving to Thriving
Spectrum Teens
AS-NT marriage- Marriage on the Spectrum
Other Helpful Resources:
NC ASD website
Autism Parent Magazine
Autism/Asperger Digest
Asperger Syndrome by Attwood
Practical Advice – Ron Sandison
Other authors: Temple Grandin, Rudy Simone, Jennifer O-Toole and Asperkids