Strength-Based Approaches to Working with Families of Children with ASD

Abstract

The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of strength-based approaches to working with young children with ASD, emphasizing the application of positive, strength-based techniques as a core part of parent education programs. We begin by providing a historical context for the increasingly popular focus on strength-based assessment and intervention in broader psychology and education fields and also provide a brief rationale for this trend by reviewing some of the many benefits of focusing on strengths. In addition, we discuss reasons that strength-based approaches may be especially powerful for families of children with ASD, given elevated levels of stress and depression in this parent population. The remainder of the chapter is focused on exploration of specific ways in which child and parent strengths can be incorporated into early intervention efforts. We specifically review strength-based assessment models, interventions which deliberately incorporate child strengths, the use of strength-based statements by clinicians as a means of promoting positive parental adaptation, as well as optimism training and mindfulness practices for parents.