This is one reason we are starting to focus on families with a member who has a chronic disease. We have developed simple materials designed to lead people to ways that can lower stress, exhaustion, conflict and hopelessness. During our yearlong research process with parents and kids we learned that a well designed Quality Of Life Self Assessment could serve as an in home Mentor and Wise Guide for the care givers.
A family is like a flock of birds who move instantly as if they were all tied together. Every family is deeply connected to every one else and reacts instantly to the environment. Kind, warm, loving interactions build the family unit up but worry, stress and miscommunication tear them down.
If you or someone you know has a member with a special need let them know about our web page.
2 comments:
Gary, I enjoyed reading this piece on your blog!
After my husband Bruce's 2001 diagnosis as an Asperger's Syndrome, autistic individual, we ultimately realized all three of our sons were on the autism spectrum and got diagnosis for them.
This has left me in the position of advocate and caregiver with many challenges to overcome.
I have reviewed your sweetenlife.com list of key points from the Hatton Foundation funded research you conducted on families/caregivers in special needs contexts, and agree wholeheartedly with the key findings you published.
As a believer in Jesus Christ, I can unequivocally state that we have far to go in our faith communities, to pursue and secure supportive fellowship for and with families affected by disability.
Particularly meaningful to me also, was your reference to the importance of Quality of Life Assessment,as a critical precursor to appropriate supports being developed.
Currently, Autistic adults face a 90% unemployment rate, in the U.S., a rate that would have the general population rioting in the streets!
I hope you will continue to address these issues regarding disability impact on family stress and dysfunction, and I would be pleased to serve your organization in any way I can.
Please visit my blog, about my life as an adult autistic married to an autistic, raising autistic children!
Blessings to you in the Lord!
Sharon Glassman-Howarth
www.livewithautism.us
Sharon, You have an incredible story. I will keep in touch with your blog. Are you the Sharon who sang so beautifully at College Hill?
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