This course will explore the impact of a child’s disability on parent and family well-being, as well as the impact of family beliefs and practices on child learning and behavior. Parents often begin family therapy feeling anxious, depleted and inadequate as they attempt to sustain healthy family relationships and family routines.

The project team will use discussion, videotapes, observation of live sessions and case consultation to illustrate the structure, process and therapeutic goals of family work. This course is appropriate for clinicians who work with children with autism, ADHD, learning disabilities and other developmental disabilities.

Presented by Judy Grossman, DrPH, OTR primary instructor; other faculty include Judi Aronowitz, LCSW, Sara Goldsmith, MS; Elissa Kirtzman, LCSW, Tracy Ross, LCSW

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the dynamics and impact of the child’s disability on family life and family relationships.
Develop clinical skills working with families who have children with developmental, learning and behavioral issues.
Appreciate the emotional journey of parents; the challenges and opportunities to build resilience and move towards personal transformation.
Describe techniques to help parents become more reflective and regulated in their interactions with their child and to become more realistic and responsive to their child’s needs.

Presenter: Judy Grossman, DrPH, OTR, is Director of the Ackerman Institute’s Children with Special Needs Project, Associate Director of the Center for the Developing Child and Family; adjunct faculty NYU; national and international lecturer on parenting, family resilience, mental health consultation and early intervention/special education policy and programs.

Click Here to register