July 5, 2011
By Autism Society
Regardless of where children or adults fall within the autism spectrum, their families’ greatest hope for their present and future is that they live a happy life. There are many barriers that may prevent individuals with autism and their families from having quality lives, and there is no question that families need new and different forms of support in order to remove these barriers.
I will be speaking at the Autism Society’s National Conference in Florida about promising new models for children and adults with severe autism. One of these models is Special Needs Life Quality Coaching™, an online program that trains individuals to work with families to ensure that they and their children or adults with special needs meet their goals for a quality life. I will also discuss the importance of a Special Needs Life Quality Plan, which maps out the minute details of what needs to be in place on a day-to-day basis in order for someone with autism or other developmental disabilities to maximize their personal comfort and happiness.
We know that the number one factor in leading a happy life across the lifespan is relationships. When it comes to leading a happy life 10, 20 or 30 years down the road, it really doesn’t matter that a person has a diagnosis of autism. What matters is who is in their life, that they have choices that fit their needs and wishes, that they have interesting ways to spend their time, that they live as independently as possible and that they are happy.
If you are unable to attend my session on Friday, July 8, at 3:15 p.m. (Miami Room), then please join us on LinkedIn (http://ow.ly/5mb19) after the conference for an ongoing discussion on life quality. It’s time to stop focusing on the disability and how to fix it, and start directing our attention to what we can do to make sure individuals with disabilities are leading safe, happy and fulfilling lives.
Dr. Krysti DeZonia
www.teriinc.org
Topics:Living with Autism
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