An autism diagnosis affects an entire family. Overnight hopes, dreams, plans, and aspirations change, and parenting becomes a different challenge. When a child is diagnosed with autism, parents can feel like they have limited support. Family therapy programs support children, parents, siblings, and extended family to help family members cope with and understand a learner’s need when undergoing autism therapy. The best autism therapy occurs at home through practice, play, and dedication that caters to the entire family.
Are you looking to support your loved ones with autism family therapy? EMIT serves children and their families across New Jersey with telehealth autism therapies. Learn more about family therapy and our other programs today by calling 844.983.0240.
What Is Autism Family Therapy?
Family therapy aims to support both a child with autism and their loved ones. Often, family therapy can incorporate parent training which helps family members deal with and relate to how a child with autism experiences the world. This type of training helps relieve stress, create stronger bonds between loved ones, increase communication, and cultivate holistic family health. Training may include:
- Tools to increase parent-child communication to understand one another better and increase a child’s communication skills
- Tools to manage the challenges of parenting a child with ASD, including making time for self-care
- Coping mechanisms to deal with the stress and pressure of parenting a child with autism
- Ways to implement therapy at home
- Space for siblings to voice needs and better understand their autistic sibling’s needs
For many families, local family therapy can help connect them to the autism community in their neighborhood. For others, online therapy programs allow family members living further away to participate. It’s best to choose the mode of family therapy that doesn’t add more stress and pressure to your life. The goal of autism family therapy programs is to cultivate a space for open communication between family members. This treatment strengthens networks of support and prevents families from neglecting their own needs while navigating parenting. When looking for a program, consider what best suits the entire family. Consider recommendations from local autism networks, your child’s doctor, therapist, or school.
What to Look for Family Autism Therapy
Researching autism therapy programs online can be overwhelming. When searching for a family therapy program, make sure therapists have clinical training in extensive experience with autism. Check local and state government websites for recommendations. If you’re doubtful about a therapist’s website, check the Better Business Bureau, as well as other review sites, autism forums, and consider running potential therapists past your child’s doctor.
For those in rural communities, online family therapy can help you stay connected with the latest research in autism therapy from the comfort of home. These programs often cater to a family’s schedule and offer treatment that fits into your busy life. For older children in more urban communities, in-person family therapy may help you stay connected with the local autism community. Therapists often offer support groups for parents, siblings, and loved ones to connect with other families in the community experiencing similar challenges while parenting a child with autism.
Never pick a therapist who offers quick fixes or other miracle cures to help your family navigate autism. Parenting a child with autism is a life-long journey, not a sprint, which is why family therapy can offer ongoing care and support for holistic family health and wellbeing.
Start Family Autism Therapy at EMIT
Finding the right family therapist that fits into your busy schedule can be a challenge. EMIT offers telehealth appointments for families across New Jersey. Stay connected with local community resources from the comfort of home and a time that works for you! At EMIT, we practice holistic therapy and support for children and families at every step of their autism journey. We know that parenting a child with autism is a challenging and rewarding experience that requires extra support. We’re here to provide that individualized care along with several other programs that fit your child’s needs. Contact us online today or at 844.983.0240 to speak with one of our specialists about one of New Jersey’s best family therapy programs.
