The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

The overwhelming focus of research and treatment efforts in Autism Spectrum Disorders has been on selecting and implementing appropriate therapies. The impact of ASD on the family has been recognized for years, however, considerably less attention has been paid to the development of successful family-professional communication and collaboration. This is despite the fact that parents often report that they feel more challenged by insensitive professionals and poorly organized systems of services than by their child’s disability. Given that one of the predictors of more positive outcomes for children is active engagement in treatment by family members, it is essential that practitioners focus more on the elements that result in successful family-professional collaboration. In this presentation, a number of critical elements will be discussed along with strategies for achieving greater success in collaborating and developing trusting relationships with families. These elements include implementing family-centered practice principles, developing trust with parents, learning to listen and communicate with parents and providing innovative supports that make a difference in the life of the family.

The principles and strategies to be presented are derived from decades of clinical work and research of the two presenters, representing evidence-based strategies in autism and for individuals with medical and developmental challenges. The work of Dr. Barry Prizant includes practices involving educational and emotional support for families that is part of the Transactional Support domain of the SCERTS Model (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation, Transactional Support), of which Dr. Prizant is senior co-author. In addition to a degree in Communication Disorders focusing on autism, Dr. Prizant also was an advanced post-doctoral fellow in family-centered intervention focusing on the development of supportive, respectful and effective strategies that support communication and collaboration with parents. The work of Dr. Elaine Meyer, a Clinical Psychologist and Psychiatric Nurse, focuses on developing positive and trusting relationships with parents of children with developmental and medical challenges - the primary mission of the institute (IPEP) and program (PERCS) she developed and directs at Boston Children's Hospital and in the Harvard Medical School. IPEP (Institute of Professionalism and Ethical Practices) and PERCS, (Program to Enhance Relationship Communication Skills) has trained thousands of medical, educational and therapeutic professionals nationally and internationally. Dr. Meyer also partners with Dr. Prizant and the parents of Community Autism Resources, a Massachusetts Autism Support Center founded and run by parents of autistic family members, in providing the parent retreat weekend now in its 21st year.

Presentation Outline

1. Define elements of Family-centered practice

2. Challenges faced by families at critical points in their journeys

3. What parents want and need from professionals

4. Elements of collaboration

- issues around diagnosis

- active engagement in assessment

- selecting appropriate goals and objectives

- selecting appropriate therapies

5. Supporting families through critical transitions (early intervention to school services; elementary to middle to high school; transitioning to adult services)

6. Fostering successful communication - effective strategies

7. Fostering trusting relationships - effective strategies