We offer individualized mentoring and in-home coaching to families raising a child with autism.

Initial consultations are free of charge. Hourly rates are $75/hour. We would be happy to prepare a proposal based on your needs.

You may need some MAC 'n' cheese if

. . . your child has recently been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and you find yourself overwhelmed by everything you need to do and learn immediately!

We definitely know what this feels like! We can:

• help you see the big picture so you can determine your priorities and effectively concentrate your efforts;
• cut through the extraneous and conflicting information to bring you reliable and meaningful resources;
• teach you how to educate your family, friends and child's classmates about your child and autism;
• connect you with local resources;
• help you implement effective strategies and supports in your home to make life less stressful for everyone.

. . . your family is going through life or school changes to which your child is having problems adjusting.

Just when you think you have a handle on things, life changes! We can:

• help you assess your needs;
• ensure that you see the options and opportunities inherent in every challenge;
• direct you to best practices and teach you how to determine which will meet your child's needs

. . . you keep hearing about the importance of "visuals" and "consistency" but can't seem to incorporate them into your crazy, unpredictable life.

There is an art to integrating the supports your child needs with your particular family circumstances. We can:

• teach you how to adapt strategies and supports to meet your real needs;
• show you how to assess whether an intervention isn't working because it doesn't address your child's needs or because you just need to give it more time (which can make the difference between giving up and trying again);
• teach your family to work together as a team to incorporate strategies and supports into your daily lives.
  

. . . you are frustrated by seemingly contradictory or unintelligible information about your child's diagnosis and needs and would benefit from talking it through with an experienced and nonjudgmental peer who really gets it.

There are some things that only another parent can understand. We will:

• share our own experiences and the lessons we have learned from others;
• provide a (relatively) objective point of view regarding your situation;
• ensure that you have looked at it from all possible angles;
• provide background research on what's being tried around the country;
• suggest creative options and alternative approaches.

. . . you are feeling isolated from your community and would like to find a way for your family to rejoin the world while honoring your child's unique needs.

Isolation is a common experience for families of children with autism. However, it is not inevitable. You do have a choice. We can help you

• think about what it means to disclose your child's diagnosis and determine who needs to know what;
• plan and prepare for successful excursions into the community and build your child's capacity to handle being out in public;
• develop ways to get the support and understanding you need from others;
• provide a positive example to businesses and other community members regarding people with autism and their families.
  

. . . you recently broke out into a cold sweat when you realized that your child will age out of school services in five, ten or fifteen short years and you don't know what you should be doing to prepare him or her for a productive and self-determined life.

You are not alone, though it probably feels that way. Many parents are trying to navigate this maze. We can help you:

• map out a positive future for your child that is grounded in your values and beliefs;
• determine and prioritize the skills your child needs;
• build on existing strengths and talents;
• incorporate person-centered planning and self-determination goals across life domains;
• connect to local and regional initiatives that support your goals;
• find best practices in assessment and planning for transition.

. . . you are really hungry. In which case you have probably stumbled upon the wrong web site.

If any of this sounds like you, please contact us. Initial consultations are always free. Based upon our discussion, we will prepare a proposal for your consideration.which specifies what we will do and how many hours we will commit to working with you.

N.B.: We are not legal advocates, psychologists or certified educators and will not try to fill those roles. We are experienced and resourceful parents who have spent many years working with children, parents and professionals in a variety of capacities. We have found that other parents of children with special needs have been our greatest resource and have been there for us when we've needed help. We appreciate the sacrifices they have made, the paths they have forged and strength they have shared. We plan to uphold the tradition of parents supporting parents.

© 2008 Mac 'n' Cheese