View in browser

Family is often the foundation of support for people with autism. This November, during National Family Caregivers Month, we recognize the devotion of the caregivers who make a difference every day. Whether they’re parents, grandparents, siblings or other family members and close friends, their love and commitment deserve special acknowledgment.

One day at a time: A mom found support in CST

When Tania’s daughter Valeria was diagnosed with autism at just two years old, Tania found herself facing not only the challenges of parenting an autistic child but also the discovery that she too was on the spectrum. Now, with the help of the virtual Caregiver Skills Training (eCST) program, a free 8-hour training course for parents and caregivers, Tania is helping her daughter learn and grow while overcoming her own uncertainty as a parent. Learn about Tania’s experience and how eCST has helped her support Valeria’s growth

The key to being a stronger caregiver 

Family caregivers, especially those supporting autistic loved ones, face unique challenges that frequently go unnoticed. To provide effective care, it’s important for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being. In this article recently published in Exceptional Parent Magazine, Autism Speaks’ Vice President of Services and Supports, Lindsay Naeder, provides advice on how to take care of yourself while caring for someone you love. 

If you want to take the best possible care of your child, you must first take the best possible care of yourself.

Supporting a child or loved one with autism can be an incredibly meaningful journey, but it’s essential to care for yourself along the way. Take a moment to reflect: Where do I find my strength? How am I feeling, truly? Do I need to express my emotions—to vent, cry or seek support? 

Our 100 Day Kit for Newly Diagnosed Families offers

practical tips and advice from parents who have been where you are, helping you navigate this new path with compassion and insight.

Just relax: A guide to progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)

Being a full-time caregiver can lead to stress and burnout. But with progressive muscle relaxation, finding a moment to relax is simple. The easy-to-do mindfulness technique can have an immediate effect on reducing stress and anxiety. It can also help with common co-occurring conditions with autism, like sleep disorders and digestive issues, making it a great daily stress reliever to practice with your loved one. Learn how to get started here.

Do you care for an autistic high school student or adult with moderate to high support needs who is looking for meaningful employment?

Competitive integrated employment is possible for your loved one. Learn how in our Workplace Inclusion Now^TM

training course, Supporting your family member in employment. It offers insights into available job supports and resources, including the use of job coaches. Developed with Virginian Commonwealth University (VCU) Autism Center for Education, this course offers insights into available job supports and resources, including the use of job coaches to find and maintain employment. It is invaluable information as you go through IEP Transition Planning and into adulthood.

National advocacy efforts to empower caregivers

Autism Speaks has led advocacy for the Autism Family Caregivers Act, which creates a nationwide pilot program for caregiver skills training – providing caregivers of children with autism and other developmental disabilities with tools to use at home to improve communication,

social and daily living skills. The organization also recently joined the Rosalynn Carter Institute and 167 organizations in calling for the creation of a new federal Office of Caregiver Health to advance the health and well-being of family caregivers across the nation and strengthen the impact of laws like the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act. Advocate with us and become a changemaker!

Santa's Coming to Town!

This holiday season, families looking for a sensory-friendly Christmas experience can enjoy the time-honored tradition of a visit with Santa! In partnership with Cherry Hill Programs, Autism Speaks will offer over 300 sensory-friendly events across the country on Dec. 8, 2024. Advance registration is required and photo packages are available for purchase onsite. Find participating locations and book your reservation today!

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to get the newest editions E-Speaks in your inbox.

Autism Speaks | 50 F Street NW, Suite 360, Washington, DC 20001
Mailing address: P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037

© 2024 Autism Speaks Inc. Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks Design are registered trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. 

Unsubscribe | Update subscription preferences