Autism illuminated
Understanding autism in your family and embracing the strengths of an autistic mind
Overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin?
First learning about autism can be a lot. For many there is much to process and a time for really thinking about what you want for your child and your family. When autism is identified, many feel relief, quickly followed by the thought, of 'where to next?' So that's the question we will answer. We will reflect on what we already know, what expertise you have and explore your questions.
GLIMMER will build your parenting confidence and skills and knowledge in understanding autistic differences and how this affects child and teen development, mental health and wellbeing. At it's completion you will know more about how you can support and help your child to bloom.
My role is to light the path and be a guide, so you can do your job of being the the best parent you can for your child and your family.
If you are waiting for an autism assessment or family focused autism related support, then Glimmer is for you.
ARE YOU SEEKING THE FOLLOWING?
Guidance
Information
Belonging
Hope
Support of the right professionals so you can feel sure of the path you are on. You want to be able to trust you are getting the right information.
Understanding more about Autism, about which supports are effective (and for what), what will help with which challenges and how to coordinate it all-without feeling overwhelmed!
Connection other parents who are going through what you are and that also understand your experiences.
An optimistic view of now and your future and how to develop this mindset in your family to enable resilience and wellbeing.
Hi, I'm Kate.
I developed this program for families who are in the process of identifying their autistic child or children and are wondering where to from here.
The need to offer this for parents came after witnessing family upon family that were alone with their worries, uncertainties and overwhelm during this assessment and early autism identification phase. I wanted to reach more parents and offer them support, understanding and direction, the same way I have done for my clients in my practice.
Raising autistic children encompasses additional challenges (including having an invisible disability, being a minority and navigating the current community understanding of autism). Parenting requires knowledge, skills and a unique perspective that other well intended supports and parent focussed programs may inadvertently miss.
This programs shares ideas, perspectives, current autistic informed research and theory and the collective wisdom of parents that have walked the same path that you are currently on.
In my 17 years as a clinical psychologist working with parents families autistic kids and teens I've developed an enlightened, educational and safe space where parents can feel hopeful, knowledgeable and most importantly validated.
Allow me to guide you through the autism essentials, by spending time within a small group of like minded parents.
You don't have to be searching in the dark for answers...
You are a parent that has recently found out that your child is or may be autistic. You are unsure and overwhelmed about what needs to happen first or how to make it happen.
You are at the beginning of your journey and are seeking clarity on 'where to from here'? and 'what do I need to know?' and 'what does the future look like? for my child and our family?'.....
GLIMMER is for parents like you who want to know what they can expect in the coming days, weeks, months and years and how to feel hopeful looking forwards.
You are keen to understand how being neurodivergant might change things in your life and you are passionate about how to support your child the best way you can.
This program is for those parents that are searching for a sense of hopefulness and excitement about the future for their child and for their family and are prepared to commit to this.
As part of this program you will:
- Expand your knowledge of neurodivergent presentations including autism and ADHD
- Have guidance on the plan for your child
- Feel connected to others who understand your perspective
- Have a safe space to ask and have your questions answered
- Receive hours of expertise from a clinical psychologist each week
- Bring clarity to your future goals
- Create a positive start to the next phase of your parenting journey
*Neurodivergent is a term used to describe diverse neurology or brains- including those identified as being autistic, ADHD, dyslexic for example, that is just different to what is considered 'typica'l brain neurology.
Price for the four week program is $650 (Au)
Early Bird price is $550 (AU)
Get illuminated!
This four week online program will be a chance for you to get the essential information and insights, so you can easily see where you are going. It is a chance to feel lit up with like-minded parents who are also on a similar journey taking you from overwhelm and confusion to hope.
GLIMMER will shine a light on.......
Assessments
You will understand and reflect on the assessment process you have been through and be clear on understanding how a conclusion about the Autism Spectrum is drawn from behaviour, sensory and emotional information.
You will reflect on understanding your child (or what you can expect if you are about to embark on the assessment process).
You will look at your family supports and issues of sharing this (to family or your child) and the different models for understanding autism including the social disability model of Neurodivergence.
Systems & Interventions
You will reflect on your goals, supports and priorities depending on the age and needs of your child.
You will learn what is important to consider for support options for your child and also cover the different disability, education and medical systems that you may need to navigate.
You will learn about specific therapies including the role of early intervention therapy and if it is right for you, what's the evidence and challenges of evidence based interventions in this space.
Parenting, Families & Self-care
You will reflect on parental self care, ideas and parenting supports and programs.
You will also look at family issues such as non-diagnosed members and the impact on siblings and how this affects decisions making.
You will be able to see the pathway forwards when parenting children who have a different way of thinking, behaving and experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is GLIMMER for ?
GLIMER is for YOU if you are a parent that does not want to be alone and overwhelmed by what to do and where to go, early in your journey.
It's for YOU if you want to have guidance, understanding and belonging as you learn about the wonderful facets of being an Autism family and what this means in practical terms.
It's for YOU if you know you want to feel supported and optimistic about the future and are prepared to take the steps to develop this.
What is the commitment to be involved in GLIMMER ?
Being involved in GLIMMER will be a maximum commitment of two hours each week, to take in the content and then meet as a group. A live or recorded presentation will occur within our closed Facebook Group each Monday (AEST).
Each Friday there will be a secure Zoom Meeting meeting with the group discussing the content delivered and answering your questions. The length of this will vary between 60-90minutes depending on group size.
Times that these meeting will start will be varied to suit the group, but will be between 9-2pm (AEST), however if we get a mix of participants from different time zones, we will endeavour to get times to suit as best we can.
How many will be in the group?
This group program will be a small community of like minded parents, so we are limiting it to a maximum of 10 parents only. However because it is delivered online, if you want your partner to also attend your meetings then this is encouraged. A small group allows us to be able to address your specific needs and reflections more easily.
Can my child's NDIS funding be used for this training and support?
Kate is a non-registered provider of support and intervention for clients that have NDIS funding. Families have been known to have training and parent coaching support covered by NDIS if they are Self or Plan Managed. It is advisable that you discuss this with your Plan Manager (if you have one) and ensure that this program aligns with the goals of your child's plan. Just provide confirmation of a payment commitment from a Plan Manager prior to commencing the group.
What if I can't make a session?
If you cannot make the Facebook Live or the Zoom Q&A session, these will all be recorded and these can be found within the Glimmer- Facebook Group. These will be kept until the group is concluded. So if you miss a session you can easily catch up.
If you have any concerns about security, refunds or terms and conditions, please head see the Privacy Policy below or head the Kate French website for Terms and Conditions.
What equipment do I need to have to be part of the group?
We recommend you have a secure internet connection and some headphones that has a microphone imbedded. It is also ideal if you can have privacy and minimal background noise so that you are able to hear the content and on the Zoom session so you can talk freely. You will also need to have access to Facebook and join the closed Facebook Group- as that is where our session recordings, notices and files will be shared for the life of the group.
Will GLIMMER be offered again?
It is anticipated that Glimmer will be offered a number of times throughout the year. Follow Kate French on her socials on Facebook: Kate French and Instagram-katetfrench for information about new groups and their times.
What are the dates for GLIMMER?
Information/Education sessions are Monday into the group and the closed Zoom Meetings are Fridays.
Sign up to Kate's list for regular updates and to be the first to know about new dates through 2022.
How do I become part of this group?
Head the the bottom of this page to complete the FORM with your name and email details. Following this, you will receive an email inviting you to join the closed Facebook Group.
Then also click the pink button below to make the single payment pay for GLIMMER.
If you require an invoice for the National Disability Insurance Scheme purposes, please email this request to kate@thekatefrench.com.au.
Once you are joined up within our closed Group you will find your Workbook in the Files section which you can then download.
I look forward to seeing you in the group!
Kate x
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