Join Us for this GREAT topic! How Autism Affects the Family Unit

[Guest guest]

DATE: April 30 2010

TOPIC: AUTISM & HOW IT AFFECTS THE ENTIRE FAMILY UNIT. HOW TO RECOGNIZE & HELP

REMEDIATE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE ISSUES - FROM MARRIAGE,FREINDSHIPS TO SIBLINGS.

CANT MISS THIS ONE!

TIME: 10 to 2

FEE: $20 Members|$40 Non Members/Late and Walk in

LOCATION: Levittown Community Hall

PRESENTERS: Dr. Celiberti & Ruth Donlin

AM SESSION (10am to 12pm)

TOPIC DESCRIPTION & TITLE:What about me? Understanding and Addressing the Needs

of Siblings of Children with Autism

The bond we share with our siblings is one of the longest, most important

relationships of our lives. Unfortunately, many parents may struggle with

concerns and questions related to their typically developing children. This

workshop will provide a comprehensive overview of some common sibling challenges

and address important topics such as the possible impact of autism on siblings,

parent-sibling communication, siblings' understanding of autism and related

disabilities, siblings’ relationships with their friends, self esteem, and

balanced parenting.

LEARNER OBJECTIVES

Learner will identify several possible positive and negative effects of autism

on the sibling.

Learner will describe strategies for communicating with the sibling about autism

Learner will describe strategies for helping the sibling manage questions from

peers

PRESENTER BIO: Dr. Celiberti received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology

from Rutgers University in 1993 and obtained his BCBA in 2000. He is President

of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment (www.asatonline.org) and

President and founder of the Parent Professional Partnership SIG of ABAI. He is

also in private practice and provides consultation to schools and agencies in

the U.S. and Canada. He has authored several articles in professional journals

and presents frequently at regional, national, and international conferences. He

has taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and conducted research

in the areas of applied behavior analysis, family intervention, and autism.

PM SESSION (12:30pm-2pm)

TOPIC DESCRIPTION & TITLE: AFTERNOON SESSION (12:30pm-2PM) *How to beat the

statistics:

Understanding and Addressing **: **How Autism Affects the Family Unit***

Families can become consumed with improving the life of their child(ren)

with autism. However, in becoming singular in their focus to make sure

they have done everything they can to help their child, they may

overlook how to create a balanced family environment of love, peace, and

stability which serves as the foundation by making the family

relationships a priority and focus. There are purported statistics

indicating that the divorce rate of families of children with autism is

in the 80% range. Personal difficulties reported by parents of autistic

children include increased stress; poor physical health; depression;

excessive time demands; parental burnout; effect on family life, and

future psychosocial problems. Parents also report decreased marital

satisfaction and increased marital turmoil as a result of the daily

tensions associated with raising an autistic child. This is an important

observation considering that marital satisfaction seems to be a strong

predictor of a parent's ability to cope with his/her child's disability

(Friedrich, 1979). This workshop will focus on employing strategies to

build and strengthen the family unit.

LEARNER OBJECTIVES:

Learner will recognize common family stressors when raising a child with

autism.

Learner will identify strategies for improving marital communication toward a

common goal.

Learner will identify strategies to rectify these stressors and improve the

family unit.

PRESENTER BIO: Ruth Donlin is a consultant whose private practice is

based in New York. She provides consultation to schools, agencies, and

home programs that serve children and adults on the autism spectrum. She

has completed her course requirements for a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

at Pacifica Graduate Institute and is completing her dissertation. She

presents on a variety of topics such as challenging behaviors, classroom

management, using visual supports, team dynamics, and social skill

development at conferences regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Ms. Donlin is President of the Autism Special Interest Group (SIG) for

the Association of Behavior Analysis.

REGISTRATION BY MAIL/FAX:CLICK HERE http://www.elija.org/familyapril2010.html

REGISTRATION VIA ONLINE CREDIT CARDCLICK HERE

http://www.elija.org/familyapril2010cc.html