Parents of Children
With Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

In this group I want to create a warm and safe place to share, and to discover what I see as the biggest strength of Relationship Development Intervention (RDI). How its focus is on empowering parents and restoring their right to be that child’s guide in life, and for families to have the chance to share and delight in this unique parenting journey.

The purpose of this group is to equip parents who are facing the challenges that having a child with ASD brings. We know that when there is little or no emotional engagement or feedback with your infant, there can be heartbreak, and sometimes grief and mourning for the ‘lost’ child, added to a different quality of exhaustion. This does not mean that parents don’t love their child, or are in any way neglectful of their care, but where there isn’t reciprocal delight, e.g. in games such as “peek-a-boo, or “this little piggy”, there is struggle and loss. To feel shut out of your child’s world can be devastating. This is a group that is working towards a quality of life both for the person afflicted with ASD, and for all family members.

Contact Colleen Emmens for more information.