Supporting Caregivers of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Parents and caregivers are the epicenters of positive youth outcomes and this is especially true for youth in mental health treatment. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to address, affirm, and elevate the needs of caregivers during the therapeutic process of the young person in their lives. 

This webinar will provide an understanding of the parent/caregiver journey that is collaborative, strengths-based, and culturally-responsive. It is informed by the framework of ASHE: Affirm, Support, Hope, and Empower. The presenter will offer tips for providers to improve and strengthen the relationship with caregivers in order to increase efficiency and foster positive outcomes for them, their families, and the programs who serve them. Caregivers of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder will be highlighted along with behavioral health issues within this community to help clinicians understand some due diligence steps that they can take to better serve the caregivers’ needs. However, the information presented is applicable to caregivers of youth with any mental health diagnosis.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to: 

-Uplift and value the culture, identity, and lived experience of the parent/caregiver
-Increase engagement of parents/caregivers, build efficacy, and support culture and identity-centered adaptations 
-Take intentional steps to shift your environment towards an inclusive, affinity-based culture
-Elevate and fuel the innate ability of parents/caregivers to increase resilience, advocacy, parenting, and coping skills