Resilience in the face of an Autism Spectrum Disorder

4-6 p.m.

In this talk, we will examine how families can remain resilient in the face of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. A diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum throws the entire family system into chaos and causes family members, especially parents, to experience a complex set of feelings including grief, loss, anger, and denial (sometimes all in the same day!) We will examine this range of emotions as well as the powerful identity shifts that mothers and fathers experience. We will also discuss the importance of "emotional maintenance work" in maintaining key relationships and managing the dynamic shifts in those relationships.

Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a licensed clinical psychologist and a clinical lecturer at The Family Institute at Northwestern University. She has expertise in marriage and family therapy, and she speaks and writes nationally about how families can stay strong in the face of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. She recently published an article in the award winning magazine, Psychotherapy Networker, and she is working on a book proposal. She is the mother of two children, Brian who is 7 years old and has an Asperger's diagnosis, and Courtney who is 5 years old and is neurotypical.

4:30-6:30 p.m.

Come join us as we share tips from TACA families all over the country for surviving the holidays — GFCF recipes, handling school parties and family celebrations, gift ideas, communicating with family, etc. Bring your own tips and traditions to share with the group. We will also talk about how to stay healthy during the holidays. We will be sharing Dr. Usman's tips on how to prevent and treat the flu. We will also raffle off a flu treatment kit donated by Dr. Usman's office that contains $80 worth of supplements to keep you and your family healthy during the holidays. Bring your questions and concerns and we will brainstorm together ideas to make this year's gatherings the best ever!