E-Speaks eNewsletter

Be prepared for Hurricane Ian. Check out our Natural Disaster Resources to help families create emergency preparedness and response plans.

Esté preparado para el Huracán Ian. Consulte nuestros Recursos en vista de los desastres naturales para ayudar a las familias y crear planes de preparación y respuesta ante las emergencias.

Many people with autism across the life span experience severe and distressing behaviors that can greatly affect their quality of life. These behaviors can be harmful to their physical and emotional wellbeing and may prevent them from accessing services and fully participating in their communities. The behaviors may also be dangerous to their loved ones, creating a stressful home environment that impacts the entire family.

In this issue of E-Speaks, you will read about one sibling’s experience coping with his brother’s aggressive behaviors and learn about a virtual support group for siblings and caregivers. You will also learn how Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy can help reduce severe behaviors. Lastly, you’ll find information and resources from Family ECHO: Autism, a free virtual learning program for parents and caregivers.

How ABA therapy can help reduce severe behaviors

ABA is an evidence-based intervention that can help autistic people learn healthier behaviors and improve their quality of life. The goal of ABA is to work with the autistic person to build skills that allow them to communicate their needs in healthier ways, reducing harmful or dangerous behaviors. In this Q&A, Karryn Naranjo, BCBA, shares information about how ABA therapy can help reduce severe behaviors.

The reality of growing up with a severely impacted autistic brother

In this blog post, Gary, age 20, provides a candid look into what it’s like growing up with a sibling on the spectrum who experiences aggressive outbursts. Now in college, he talks openly and honestly about some of the challenges that he and his family have faced through the years and reflects on the ways those experiences impacted him throughout his life.

Supporting siblings of autistic children with aggressive behaviors

Every sibling relationship has its ups and downs, and this is no different for siblings of autistic children. Having a sibling with autism brings many joys, but when an autistic sibling exhibits aggression or other severe behaviors, it can be especially challenging for the other child and have long term effects if unaddressed. In this Q&A, sibling researcher Emily Rubin, LICSW, shares information about the impact of aggression on siblings and the virtual sibling support group she runs at UMass Chan Medical School.

Learn from autism experts through Family ECHO: Autism

If you are a parent or caretaker of a child with severe and distressing behaviors, the Family ECHO: Autism training program may be a good fit for you. This free program brings together autism experts and families in a series of virtual learning sessions. On October 26, Family ECHO: Autism will host its first session on managing irritability and harmful behaviors. Click here to learn more and view the full schedule of sessions. You can also watch recorded sessions on topics like how to prevent and reduce disruptive behaviors and how to manage irritability and challenging behaviors (part 1, part 2).

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