Parents of an autistic child, adolescent or adult may experience concerns regarding the confirmation of autism, adapting to the stages of autism from childhood to maturity, having different parenting styles, and being an autistic parent. Their children and/or teenagers may feel resentful, misunderstood, anxious and stressed. The ways family members communicate with other, or do not communicate at all, may be a source of stress for everyone. 

The programme will include strategies to assist and support an autistic child or teenager through high levels of anxiety at home and to cope with changes in household routines and parental expectations and requests. The expression of love and affection within the family will be discussed because the expression may be different to what was expected and may need adjustment for the autistic family member/s so that everyone in the family feels loved. We will discuss managing parental concerns of noncompliance to requests, concerns about possible addiction, for e.g. to computer gaming, the duration and depth of sleep, sensory sensitivity and recreational activities at home.  Throughout the presentation there will be an emphasis on how to create a family environment that is autism friendly and neurodiversity affirming.