What is Parent Training?

At Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting, we believe in patient and family-centered care. You will become a member of your child’s support team alongside our health care providers and technicians. Having a member of the family nearby can give your child assurance and comfort about the program.

You will also learn through our Early Diagnosis Process that close family members and even school teachers will all be intertwined in promoting your child’s development.

Parent Training

The core goal of parent training is to help you understand the needs of your child. You will learn different approaches and strategies to help your child process the difficulties and grow from the learning experience. These approaches are your “tool kit” of proven methods to help your child. They are the same methods that you will often see repeated by professionals during office or at-home visits. 

The ASD Parent “Tool Kit”

The Parent Training Program at Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting helps parents and/or caregivers build a repertoire of methods to help their child. You will learn different ways to interact with your child and even different communication methods that can help him/her better communicate with you.

Parent Training Skills

Along with getting to know your child’s development team and how our program operates, you will learn some key strategies including:

• Solutions for Day-To-Day Concerns: Methods to address social interactions inside and outside the home, including communication issues.
  
• Management of Challenging Behavior: Disruptive behaviors is a standard indicator of ASD. The tools taught in parent training sessions will help you manage and avoid this behavior and reinforce positive behaviors like communication and processing.
  
• Enhance Coping Skills: Becoming upset by even minor changes in routine is another indicator of ASD. You have probably already developed some methods of helping your child cope with unforeseen changes. It’s essential to know how to address situations that aren’t a standard part of your child with autism’s routine. We will train you in some methods that have shown great promise in our office and with other parents and caregivers.
  
• Developing Communication Skills: Struggles with communication are a primary symptom of ASD. You will learn verbal and nonverbal communication skills that you and your child will appreciate.
  
• Cultivate Play Skills: Social interaction is often difficult for those with autism, making playing with other children intimidating. Encouraging healthy play is possible using the tools we provide as part of our program.
  
• Boost Independence: Developing self-sufficiency and life skills is an essential part of any child’s development. Our program provides important strategies and tips for helping your child develop these tools.

Your child is counting on you for support. Developing a healthy and supportive relationship is essential in the treatment process. The Parent Training Program will show you how to redirect your and your child’s energies and attention to dealing with a problem. The “tool kit’ strategies are not magical solutions that will solve all problems, but they can make it easier for you and your child to get through those difficulties together.

Not Just For Parents

Your child likely has many people they interact with regularly. It’s important to remember that the strategies in this program aren’t just for parents. All caregivers can benefit from learning and practicing the methods you learn during your participation. You are the ambassador for your child, so be sure to multiply your efforts by sharing those skills with teachers, siblings, grandparents, and anyone else your child counts on for support.

The Solstice BHC team has over 20 years of experience helping families in Fairfield County find success in treatment. Our compassionate team of trained specialists can help you and your child learn more about living with ASD. With the assistance of the Solstice Behavioral Health & Consulting team, you will learn how to encourage your child’s development and create a team of support.