Debunk the myth that individuals with Autism don’t desire relationships with others or intimacy similarly to neurotypicals. Post your comments here.Permalink: https://www.sageowltherapy.com/blog/longing-for-relationships/
Announcement: Women’s Support group for Women with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (Formally -Asperger’s)
When and Where: Saturday Afternoons in Lake Oswego.
Leader: Scarlet Graham, MA, Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Startup date: is mid- to later April 2016. Every Saturday at 2:00. For 80 minutes. Limited grp members: This will be a closed group.
This group will be powerful, engaging, meaningful and fun.
Cost: 20 dollars per session.
Email or call for exact location.
Contact: Scarlet Graham, MA, CMHC
(503)946-9871
scarlet@sageowltherapy.com
Come find your tribe.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=VzWorS8CdBMframeborder%3D0allowfullscreen
Scarlet Graham, MA, Clinical Mental Health Counselor will lead Women’s High Functioning Autism Support Group (Formerly Asperger’s). Limited Group Number. This will be a closed group. We will explore the unique challenges and strengths of being women with Asperger’s as we make supportive connections. Come find your tribe.
Call or email your inquiry: scarlet@sageowltherapy.com (503) 925-3772
Jaak Panksepp (1998, 2008) a neurobiologist who devoted his life’s work to the study of the brain’s motivational circuitry, discovered seven flows of energy and information that are part of our genetic inheritance, all lying deep in limbic region of the brain.
As Social Creatures the functions of the circuits all have to do with maintaining or regaining connection with each other. Six of seven are present from the beginning of life. Three are available when we feel safe, comfortable, and connected-the seeking system (curiosity and exploration), the care and bonding system
(attachment and empathy), and the play system ( the free flowing, full-bodied, uninhibited expression of joy). All blend in the rich space between two people. (Gallo-Lopez & Rubin 2012. pg. 4-5)
Play becomes more available when we feel safe and we form interpersonal connections
When we feel safe it increases our ability to connect and play.
“Our calmness and attuned presence with the flow of connection-disconnection-reconnection and quiet acceptance that they are doing what they need to do in the moment creates a wide ventral space within us that is a constant invitation for the children to come home to safety and to play.”(Gallo-Lopez & Rubin 2012. pg. 266)
Parents should be their child’s first and best play partners.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=CpF3326_b5gframeborder%3D0allowfullscreen
Ethan an amazing six year old with Autism plays “Piano Man” by Billy Joel
About 1 percent of the world population has autism spectrum disorder. (CDC, 2014)
Prevalence in the United States is estimated at 1 in 68 births. (CDC, 2014)
More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. (Buescher et al., 2014)
Prevalence of autism in U.S. children increased by 119.4 percent from 2000 (1 in 150) to 2010 (1 in 68). (CDC, 2014) Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability. (CDC, 2008)
Prevalence has increased by 6-15 percent each year from 2002 to 2010. (Based on biennial numbers from the CDC)
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention. (Autism. 2007 Sep;11(5):453-63; The economic consequences of autistic spectrum disorder among children in a Swedish municipality. Järbrink K1.)