Abstract:
The experiences of family members of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unique, and the relationships present unique challenges. For parents of individuals with ASD, the symptoms of ASD contribute to elevated stress, and parents’ level of stress negatively impacts their ability to effectively implement interventions. However, research indicates that support and training from professionals can reduce parental stress. Further, some research in related disciplines indicates that professional empathy can improve patient adherence to treatment. As such, professionals who are trained in how to incorporate empathy and effective parent training into their work with families have the potential to maximize treatment benefit. This workshop, designed for behavior analysts and other professionals working with individuals with ASD, aims to increase their understanding of parents’ experiences and perspectives and provide guidance in how to best support these family members during treatment for the child with ASD. Dr. Fiske will summarize the research on the impact of raising a child with ASD on the mental health and relationships of parents and caregivers. Strategies for building rapport with and supporting caregivers during treatment will be provided. To illustrate what is known from the research, James Christy will share clips from Love and Communication, a film about parenting a child with ASD that he wrote and directed.
1.5 CEU’s available.
Presenters’ Bios:
Kate Fiske, PhD, BCBA-D
Dr. Kate Fiske is the Director of North Star Family Autism Center and affiliate faculty at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology of Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified behavior analyst, and completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She has worked in the field of ASD treatment for over 20 years, providing evidence-based services in skill acquisition and behavior reduction in inpatient, outpatient, and school settings. She has authored numerous chapters and journal articles on the treatment of children with ASD and their families, and is the author of the book, Autism and the Family: Understanding and Supporting Parents and Siblings.
Any relevant financial disclosures: None
James Christy, B.A.
James Christy is a Content Engagement strategist and Editorial Director with 20 years of experience developing digital content to engage healthcare consumers and drive behavior change. He is also an award-winning playwright whose works have been performed across the country and are published as individual plays and in playwright anthologies. James wrote, directed and edited the film, Love and Communication, which has been screened at four film festivals internationally and won audience and indie spirit awards. The film depicts a family struggling with an autism diagnosis. Due to overwhelming audience response, the film is being developed as a learning tool for families and professionals on issues of relationship dynamics, social support and equity in autism treatment.
Any relevant financial disclosures: James Christy is the screenwriter and director of the movie, Love and Communication, of which clips will be shown in this presentation to illustrate research findings.
