SAFE (Abridged): Systemic Autism Related Family Enabling
Family Enablement Program
What is on offer: A 6-week family enablement program is being piloted to provide parents/carers of autistic children and young people an opportunity to reflect on family life in order to build on their resources and strengths to overcome barriers, cope with challenges and improve wellbeing for family members. The program draws upon the SAFE Model – Systemic Autism Related Family Enablement Program by Dallos and McKenzie (2023) and involves reflecting on family relationships using a range of techniques and in a non-judgmental manner to enhance well being and bring about positive change.
Led by: Members of the EASA team including Claire Collins (Educational Psychologist and Family Therapy Practitioner), Marsha Walton and Jacky Stevenson (Parent Support Advisors).
Format: Small group (8 maximum) sessions for parents/carers of children/young people. Attending all 6 sessions is important as the learning is cumulative. A combination of power point presentations and facilitated group discussions will take place with handouts provided were appropriate.
Pre-session meeting: Each family will be offered a pre-session consultation meeting prior to the program starting (dates and times to be arranged), where facilitators will explain the nature of the program and explore hopes and concerns; as well as what is working well for families.
Follow up: A review meeting will take place 3 weeks later to check in with the group and reflect on the impact of the program.