Description
The project aims to support families with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It helps these families to deal with the demanding upbringing of the disabled child and to cope with problems that autism brings into their lives. Families with children with autism face numerous difficult situations due to the nature of this disability. Deficit in social and communication skills and problem behavior of the child not only puts increased demands on education, but also affects the overall well being of the family, induces stress and depression and leads to social isolation of entire family. The project activities will offer psychological assistance to these families, strengthen their cohesion, mediate social contact with people in the same situation, improve their competences in the field of education of child with ASD and increase their awareness of ASD issues and services. At the same time their autistic child will be supported in developing its potential and self-sufficiency.
Summary of project results
The main objective of the project was to support families with a child with ASD in the district of Novy Jicin. Families with a child affected by autism meet high demands. Demanding care of the child and the nature of the disability itself causes increased stress in families, disrupts social bonds of the child and its entire family. Effective and coordinated assistance from the experts, however, may significantly minimize this danger. The project through its activities provided psychological help for these families, promoted their competence in the field of education of their autistic child, increased their awareness of ASD and informed about availability of relevant services. At the same time, it have helped promote the development of their autistic child, to make the most of its potential. Activities and their outputs: parent support group - a way to meet other parents for practical and emotional support; family therapy - a branch of psychotherapy that works with families to nurture change and development; consulting in the field of education of children with ASD aimed to strengthen parenting skills, for self-mastery care for a disabled child; auxiliary program for children with ASD; experiential sessions for families with children with ASD; and lastly the map of services for children with autism and their parents in the district of Nový Jičín and its surroudings. The project has created an opportunity for parents of children with ASD to exchange ideas, discuss challenges and share resourses in a supportive and positive enviroment. Through psychological help it has emphasized families realitionships and strengthened their cohesion. It has also strengthened parenting skills, mobilization and professionalization of these families for self-mastery intensive care for a disabled child.
Summary of bilateral results