Description
510: Strengthening Marriage Family Systems Impacted by Autism and Special Needs
Stephanie Holmes, M.A., Ed.D.
Autism Spectrum Resources for Marriage & Family, LLC
4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. #423
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Rev. Dan Holmes, M.S.
The International Association of NeuroDiverse Christian Marriages, LLC
4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. #423
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Summary
Marriage and Family Systems with autism and other special needs experience different challenges and stressors than typical family systems. The presenters share from their personal experiences raising an autistic child and as a professional counselor and coach team training mental health professionals, ministers, and families with special needs. Stepfamilies and single-parent homes with special needs children experience additional stressors. This workshop will examine different family systems and moving from surviving to thriving.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Name and describe challenges and stressors for marriage and family systems with a member with autism or other special needs
• Identify stages of grief moving beyond Kubler-Ross to other models of grief and chronic sorrows that include hope in the grief and acceptance process to move beyond surviving and thriving
• Discuss strategies for licensed mental health professionals to implement in therapy to strengthen marriages in nuclear and stepfamilies examining additional issues that stepfamilies with special needs children may face
