The Parenting Spectrum: The Challenges and Gifts of Raising a Child with Autism
Program Description
Hearing the words "your child has autism" for the first time can have a profound effect on
parents, caregivers and other family members. Receiving the diagnosis of an autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) is often met with not only guilt and disappointment but also social
isolation and a lack of knowledge about how to deal with the unexpected level of care that is
required. Parents’ hopes and dreams as well as expectations of themselves as parents may be
radically altered; their ability to focus on their child’s needs in the midst of this emotional
turmoil can be greatly compromised. By receiving the emotional support needed, many
parents can and do rise to the challenge of providing for their child with special needs and
find courage, contentment and connection in the shadow of autism.
Autism is currently called a “spectrum disorder” (ASD), with tremendous variation in its
symptoms and impact from child to child. It affects about 1 in 68 children in the United
States, and is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. The
professionals who work with these children and their families can be tremendously helpful if
they also develop an in-depth understanding of this disorder, and its impact on the whole
family system.
In this highly personal narrative, the presenter, a mother of a child with autism and a licensed
clinical social worker, describes her own journey of adjustment to the reality of her child’s
autism. She offers hard-won, in-the-trenches insights of someone who's been there and is
still there today and reveals how a diagnosis of autism doesn't have to shatter a family's
happiness or growth. She highlights important developmental issues as a child with autism
progresses from infancy, to early childhood, and through the school years, especially the
need to encourage and enhance social interactions and skills. She will also offer hope to
parents as they move through the spectrum of parenting a child with ASD – from grief and
confusion to acceptance and joy. The presenter will also discuss reframing autism from a
“spiritual perspective” – a perspective that can support individuals and families with a sense
of meaning and purpose, even during times of greatest challenge. Such a perspective also
benefits children with ASD in that their gifts, talents and strengths are brought to light.
Autism is like a puzzle as is parenting a child with ASD. This workshop will help both
parents and professionals better understand and connect its pieces.
Program Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
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Explain the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD);
Demonstrate an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for ASD;
Discuss a variety of ASD treatment modalities;
Explain the typical stresses which families of children with ASD experience;
Recognize more effective coping strategies for families who have a child with autism;
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Understand the importance of identifying an autistic child's strengths and utilizing his or
her interests and talents;
Outline the many gifts and joys of raising a child with ASD;
Discuss autism from a “spiritual perspective” as an effort to provide meaning and hope to
parents and caregivers;
Describe routes to advocacy and specific resources helpful to families of children with
ASD.
Target Audience
Human Service Professionals, School personnel, parents or caregivers and any one interested
in this topic.
Credit
1.5 to 3.0 credits
Agenda Topics
The Journey Begins – Dreams of Motherhood vs. the Reality
The Signs - The Confusion – The Feelings
The Diagnosis and Its Impact
The Day to Day – The Impact of ASD on Marriage and Family
Coming to Acceptance – For the Child: Moving Beyond Survival
Coming to Acceptance – For YOU: Moving Beyond Survival
Looking for the Gifts – The Benefits of the Journey
Faculty
Sherry Mergner, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the AHEC Liaison at
UNC-CH, School of Social Work, where she coordinates continuing education programs for
mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability professionals. She is also
clinical social work faculty for the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
(LEND) grant at the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, where she recruits
social workers for this specialized training in Developmental Disabilities. Sherry also
provides clinical services to families at the CIDD. Her passion is working with individuals
who have social cognitive challenges. Sherry completed Michelle Garcia Winner’s
Advanced Clinical Training in San Jose, California in March, 2016. From 2010-13, Sherry
served as the Project Coordinator for an Autism Masters Training Grant through UNC-CH,
School of Medicine, Department of Allied Health Services. The purpose of this training
grant was to educate occupational therapy, speech, and language pathology master-level
students on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sherry received her MSW from Florida State
University in 1987 and has worked in a variety of clinical and educational settings for the
past 30 years. She is the proud mother of Noah, 17 years old with High Functioning Autism
and Nathan, 15 years old who is typically developing. Sherry has served as a Mother’s
Mentor for UNC-CH, TEACCH and was on the board of the Orange/Chatham Chapter of the
Autism Society of NC from 2005-2007. She is very active in her community and within her
children’s school promoting autism awareness and education.
Contact Information
Sherry C. Mergner, MSW, LCSW
Clinical Assistant Professor/AHEC Liaison
UNC-CH, School of Social Work
Social Work LEND Faculty
Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
919-962-6463 (office)
smergner@email.unc.edu