Training on Autism for Parents

In May 2013, several disorders along the autism spectrum were grouped together under a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Nonetheless, autism remains a complex diagnosis that includes many challenges and abilities. When your child is diagnosed with autism, it is normal to be scared, overwhelmed and confused. The best way to help your child is to become as informed as possible about his condition and the ways that it affects his life.

  1. Classes

    • Many autism institutes and research centers provide parent education classes. The classes typically meet once or twice a week for several weeks, and follow a set curriculum that teaches practical skills. You will learn behavior management strategies that have been tested on children with autism, techniques for improving your child̵7;s skills, and how to set realistic long-term and short-term goals. Some programs also touch on ways of collaborating with teachers and other professionals to develop strategies that work at school and at home.

    Community Outreach

    • Community-based training provides a low-cost option. Most community outreach programs are sponsored by autism experts at an institute, hospital or other facility. Some programs follow a similar curriculum to institute-based classes. Others provide weekly or monthly lectures on a specific aspect of autism. Still others are open discussion groups facilitated by a parent or adult with autism.

    Online Support

    • Autism Speaks provides free online tool kits for families with an autism diagnosis. Each kit provides detailed information and techniques for dealing with a specific topic associated with autism. The 100-day tool kits, available for both classic autism and Asperger̵7;s syndrome, give an overview of the condition, treatment options, ways of coping with the diagnosis and thoughts for the future. Other tool kits focus on such issues as toilet training, medications, sleep disorders and anxiety. Online support forums such as WrongPlanet.net provide a safe space to ask questions and share your experiences with other parents.

    School-based Programs

    • Some schools provide outreach programs to help parents and teachers make decisions about how best to educate children with autism. Depending on the school, the program might consist of lectures, seminars or open discussion groups. Some schools encourage collaboration between parents and teachers, while others prefer that parents follow the program designed by teachers and educational experts. In some cases, school-based programs are open to the entire school community. Check with your child̵7;s teacher or guidance counselor to find out what programs are available at your child̵7;s school.

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