For Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum
Sharon Backues, Autism Specialist, Consults with Parents
- Do you have a gut instinct that your child has phenomenal potential but reality stares you in the face in the morning?
- Do you get a sense of dread when the phone rings and it's the school on the line?
- How are you doing balancing your career with your parenting?
- Does your child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) cause nothing but frustration?
What Kind of Support Does Sharon Offer?
Specialized support designed to help parents understand and work with the unique learning styles of their children with Asperger or high functioning autism.
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder {ASD) characteristics are a delight. But they usually do not respond to typical parenting techniques. Nor do they learn social behavior in the same manner as most other children.
But once their unique perceptions and learning styles are identified and appropriate parenting techniques are employed, they thrive. Tantrums soon become things of the past. Isolation is reduced dramatically. And true empathy and consideration of others blossom.
I have also found all children with ASD make excellent progress, no matter what age the needed parenting techniques are first employed. It is never too late or too early.
How Does It Work?
We can work over the phone. We start by having you describe your child and any relevant situations. Then I give you suggestions to try and the rational behind them. I teach you how to teach your child.
You will learn why your child acts the way he/she does. You will learn how to help your child tell you how she/he is feeling. You will learn how to help your child understand and interact with the world around him/her in a successful way.
You will also learn effective strategies to help you advocate for your child with community services such as school, social services, and medical services.
It Works Over the Phone?
It is very convenient to work over the phone from the comfort of home. Children will not need to load into the car and be driven to a distant professional. This enables us to work together no matter what the location, and it can be especially beneficial to those in small towns with limited professional resources.
Parents first contact me by email, and then we set a date and time for the phone call. The initial phone contact usually lasts about 45 minutes.
Follow up phone sessions are typically only about 30 minutes apiece. Follow up sessions usually need to be scheduled on a weekly basis. Weekly sessions are ordinarily scheduled a month at a time.
How Much Does It Cost?
Fees are $75 per half-hour session, including e-mail contact at no extra charge. I schedule and bill by the month and generally suggest 4 sessions per month. Some clients prefer more or less; we design together what works best for you.
How Are Payments Made?
Most of my clients pay by check. Payment is due at the beginning of each month for the upcoming scheduled sessions. Credit card payments can also be arranged for a $10 fee per month.
Is This Covered By Medical Insurance?
Consulting is not a medical service and is not covered by medical insurance.
Medical Questions
Consulting is not a medical service. I do not offer diagnosis, cannot answer questions about heredity, and I do not give advice regarding medication or other medical procedures. If you are questioning the advice of your doctor or psychologist, I encourage you to seek a second medical opinion. Because my practice is not limited to a geographical area, I am not able to recommend specific doctors or psychologists in your particular region. However, I want to encourage you to persistently seek professionals whose approach makes sense to you.
What Are Your Qualifications?
You can read more about my professional experience here.
Now What?
If this sounds like something you would like, or for more information, please contact us.