SAMPLE WORKSHOP (A)

Independence Training and Support for Special Needs Parents

Date: TBD (1 day) A discussion based/interactive workshop.

Morning Session 

For: Parents of all age children

Hopes, Dreams and Fears: How to Create a Successful Path To Independence 

Opening presentation 9:00-9:45am

How To Get Started 10:00-11:30am

Lunch 11:30am-1:00pm

Afternoon Session

How to Construct a Realistic and an Optimistic Plan For Your Child 1:00-2:30pm

Questions and Answers and Closing Statements 2:45-3:30pm

Objectives:  As a result of these activities you will discover how to:

  • Evaluate your children’s skills, likes, dislikes and identify an appropriate path to independence while avoiding some of the most common pitfalls.
  • Differentiate between your healthy fears and unnecessary fears that can hold you and your child back from advancing.
  • Prepare for your child’s future by learning how to construct a realistic and optimistic plan—an empowering combination.
  • Understand the true meaning of “Letting Go.”
  • Do all you can, while you can. You will need to have a plan in place starting with an (IEP), Individualized Education Program as you move forward.

As a special needs parent early on you must have the positive mindset that in the future some type of independence will be possible for your child.  

A child will spend 75% of his or her life as an adult and the majority of that time will be without their parents.  That said, parents or guardians must do everything they can to help their children reach their full potential.

This is a discussion-based workshop set in a safe environment designed to generate interaction between participants to express their own personal experiences and feelings, which will be shared with one another.  We will address firsthand experiences and stories that paint vivid pictures and teach valuable lessons.

Amalia helped her adult son, Brandon, live his dream of independence for 17 years.  She will speak candidly as she addresses, supports, and answers questions on this most important subject—independence.  It is never too early to begin to talk about it.  Independence is a lifelong process.

  • Resource Books: I Have Autism…What’ll I Do Without You, Mom? (Chapters Seven and Eight)
  • Raising Brandon: Creating a Path to Independence
  • For more information and to purchase Amalia’s books visit, AmaliaStarr.com.