.png)
Our Programs
Now more than ever, American families caring for members with developmental disability (DD) are facing unprecedented stress. Caregivers of children with DD often experience greater physical and emotional health problems than families of children without DD, particularly stress, depression and anxiety. Preventive strategies that reduce stress and facilitate improved health and self-care in these families is essential to improving quality of life. With proper support, we know it's possible for family members to move beyond mere acceptance of their child’s disability and truly appreciate the benefits that arise from facing the challenge.
We believe that every family impacted by a Developmental Disability can enjoy and obtain a life of high quality and are dedicated to helping families achieve bonadaptation (i.e. positive outcomes from life stressors). Our qualified licensed and certified staff work with families to do just that through free service planning, education, resource location, skill training and counseling.
Services We Provide
Resource Counseling
Families caring for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities at home may need additional help from time to time to handle challenges. Community services are available for families through the State including assistance for everyday issues as well as help with special needs that arise on a crisis basis, such as when a caregiver is ill or a family is struggling to cope with a child's routine. However, navigating the system to locate services, understand eligibility, apply for help, and coordinate the resources can be overwhelming for many families. We assist family members in identifying these community resources and helping to coordinate acute care services specific to their individual needs.
In-Home Intervention
Our interventionists provide hands on support during designated times to teach family members coping skills and techniques to improve their home lives within the environment they live in. Interventionists assist with issues at home, provide respite for aid workers, and help families learn coping skills “in real life”. This encourage parents to not only “absorb” our learning materials, but to continue applying the lessons beyond the learning environment. This includes in their homes and everyday lives, in social settings outside the home, in their relationships with children with DD, and in their relationships with other family members or friends. We provide weekly in-home training but frequency can vary on a case-by-case basis, as needed. Please contact us to speak about scheduling your first session today!
Family Education Classes
Since much of stress is amenable to skilled self-management, an educational approach to managing stress is highly effective. We use psycho educational programs that provide emotional support to parents through an educational process that teaches them to manage their stress through the processes of explanation, demonstration, guided practice and skill workshops. These programs emphasize teaching parents and caregivers skills on self-regulation as well as social interactions with others (i.e. their child or professionals helping their child). Classes hold 8-10 family members and are held on a weekly basis for a course of 8 weeks. Any caregiver directly involved with impacted DD individuals will be eligible, including but not limited to parents, grandparents, and siblings.