Being Present: 

Improving Family Interactions

by Robert Naseef, Ph.D.

As we take a break for the Fourth of July in the United States, we are reminded that autism and other special needs never take a holiday. How can we enjoy life and improve our family interactions while dealing with the daily stresses that go hand-in-hand with raising children who have challenges?

When I ask parents what they are learning from their children with autism or other special needs, the most frequent answers I get are patience and being present. What do these parents mean? How do they work through their frustrations and build a satisfying relationship? It's not easy, but many families are becoming stronger and more connected.

This Sunday, July 7 at 9 PM Eastern, I will be hosting a "Fathers' Roundtable: Guy Talk for Fathers of Children with Autism and Other Special Needs" at  www.autismbrainstorm.org to discuss how fathers are handling these challenges in their families. Mark your calendars, and if that time is not convenient you will be able to watch a recording of our conversation on YouTube.  Our June conversation can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85eYcDI2S2A.