Over the past few years, referrals for the assessment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism have significantly increased. The enhanced public awareness of ADHD and autism, paired with the Covid-19 pandemic, has resulted in a surge of referrals and diagnoses.
As part of ADHD Awareness Month, we wanted to reflect on the impact these diagnoses can have on the parents and carers of the children who have been diagnosed.
Sapna, our School and Parent Therapist, works closely with parents and carers within a specialist provision. We heard from her on how she supports parents through their children’s ADHD and autism journeys.
How do you support parents and carers during this journey?
“I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental space, where parents and carers feel like they can talk openly. By recognising their emotions and addressing the related stigma, we can equip parents to navigate the complexities of their journey with compassion and understanding.
“I find it helpful to incorporate creative media into counselling sessions, which encourages parents to express their emotions. For example, they have used objects like pebbles to symbolise their feelings, which has helped to destigmatise their emotions. I also explore their past interests and hobbies, integrating these wherever possible.”
Read the full story
Read the full article here on the impact that autism and ADHD diagnoses can have on parents and carers in the BACP Children, Young People and Families journal.
This article first appeared in the September 2024 issue of BACP Children, Young People & Families Journal published by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. ©BACP 2024.
