This presentation explores the challenges, needs, and ways to support families of children with autism. Parents often face emotional strain, social stigma, and difficulties in accessing resources. These things affect our interactions and efforts at collaboration. To support them effectively, they need understanding, supportive conversations, access to resources, advocacy, and social inclusion. Practical ways to help include listening, sensitive language and conversations, promoting inclusive policies, and spreading awareness. By fostering empathy and action, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about challenges families face and how they affect interactions.
- Understand communication strategies that will positively impact relationships and collaboration.
- Understand various other support strategies that will foster positive collaboration.
About the Presenter
Bobbi Rogers is the Director of Community Outreach at Proud Moments Therapy. She is the founder of Families FIRST which is a nonprofit agency that has provided support and services for families of children with Autism for 20 years. She developed and led a crisis intervention program for 15 years. She is a board member of the NY State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA) and co-chair of NYSABA Parent, Family and Advocate. She is the co-creator of the Harmony in the Home Project, which provides intensive support for Autistic children and their families. She has created multiple new programs that have been helping families and Autistic individuals since 2006. Bobbi has been an invited speaker at multiple Autism and ABA conferences. She is a national advocate for compassionate support options for Autistic children and families. She lives in Central NY with her three children and husband. She is the proud parent of a 23-year-old Autistic young adult.
Bobby Newman is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Licensed Behavior Analyst in New York and Tennessee, and Licensed Psychologist. Affectionately known as the Dark Overlord of ABA, Bobby is the first author on thirteen books regarding behavior therapy, the philosophy of behaviorism, the autism spectrum disorders, utopian literature, and fitness. He has published over two dozen articles in professional journals, as well as numerous popular magazine articles and has hosted two series of radio call-in shows. Bobby is the Past-President of the Association for Science in Autism Treatment and the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis. A popular speaker, Bobby also provides direct treatment, staff training and consultation around the world, and has been honored for this work by several parents and professional groups. He is the Executive Director of Clinical Services for Proud Moments. Bobby is also a certified personal trainer, obstacle course racer and marathoner and is an Ambassador for the Great Sportsmanship Programme. Bobby teaches non-violent crisis intervention philosophy and techniques for agencies and families. Bobby was a final four finalist for the 2016 For Those Who Would Humanitarian Award. Along with parents and advocates Bobbi Rogers and Leanne Morphet, he co-hosts "Covid Conversations," a weekly podcast examining the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on people with developmental disabilities.