The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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9823 Put On Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Self-Care for Parents in Transition


Thursday, July 13, 2017: 2:15 PM-3:30 PM
Room: 102E (Wisconsin Center )
As a parent of someone with ASD, taking care of yourself likely seems like a time-consuming luxury; yet it's impossible to pour from an empty cup. Transitions affect you too, and this session will help rejuvenate and prepare you to take on upcoming changes in your life with positive energy!
In this session, the presentation will start with a group brainstorming activity, related to what the group thinks of when they think of self-care--first they will list what the word makes them think of (perhaps "neccessary, but time-consuming," "non-negotiable," "great for other people, not for me," etc.) and then what are examples they think of as self-care activities (possibly yoga, deep breathing, time away from children, therapy, etc.). Each participant will do a brief self-inventory to determine if they are in need of more self-care (the answer will undoubtedly be yes, or why would they be in the session?) We will have a discussion about what transition means for each of them, knowing that for some participants, transition means they will get more independence, as their child will be going off to college or another program designed to teach them independence, and for others, their child will fall off the services cliff, and as parents, they will be more responsible for their child's well-being and livlihood than ever). We will briefly discuss research related to the importance of a healthy parent-adult child relationship, and the role that their personal self-care will play in that. Participants will go through a series of activities designed for self-care, including a mindfulness activity, a gratitude list, breathing exercises, and more. Participants will also receive a list of exercises and resources to take with them. The session will end with an anonymous goal setting exercise, where each participant shares something that want to put into practice to take care of themselves, as well as one way their self-care can positively impact their relationship with their child and their role as a parent.

Learning Objectives:

  • Parents of transition-age individuals will learn how they care for themselves can improve the care they provide and the relationship they have with their children.
  • Participants will leave with 2-3 self-care practices they can immediately incorporate into their daily life.
  • Parents of transition-age individuals will leave with plans on how to continue self-care and self-discovery during and after their child's transition.

Track: Life Stage 3 - Transition

Content Area: Independent Living

Presenters:

Nina Jonson, BS-Education
Minnesota Life College

Nina Jonson has worked in the field of youth development for over a decade, focusing on sexuality and relationships for young people with special needs. A public speaker, presenter, and teacher, Nina has won awards for her innovative ways to teach students on the spectrum about love, dating and relationships.

Gretchen Peck
Minnesota Life College

Gretchen Peck has worked at Minnesota Life College for 6 years as a job coach and independent living skills specialist. She graduated with a BA in Sport and Exercise Science and is currently an MA candidate in Integrative Health and Wellbeing Coaching through the University of Minnesota.