Group Family Coaching: Empowering Families and Supporting Children with Autism

Group Family Coaching is a specialized form of coaching that brings together parents and caregivers of children with autism in a supportive and collaborative environment. Led by a skilled coach or therapist experienced in autism and family dynamics, these group sessions allow families to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. 

The coaching process involves setting goals, problem-solving, and developing practical strategies tailored to the unique needs of each child and family. In this blog, we will explore what Group Family Coaching is and how it can positively impact both parents and their children with autism.

How Can Group Family Coaching Help Your Child With Autism?

  1. Shared Experiences and Empathy: One of the most significant benefits of Group Family Coaching is the opportunity for parents to connect with others who face similar challenges. Sharing experiences can foster empathy and reduce feelings of isolation, providing a sense of belonging and understanding.
  2. Learning from Others: Group sessions offer a valuable platform to learn from the successes and struggles of other families. Parents can gain insights into various strategies that have proven effective for other children, and adapt them to suit their child’s needs.
  3. Skill Development: Parents can acquire practical skills and techniques to manage specific situations related to their child’s autism. These skills may include effective communication, behavior management, and implementing structured routines, which can significantly improve the child’s overall development.
  4. Emotional Support: Raising a child with autism can be emotionally taxing. Group Family Coaching provides a safe space for parents to express their feelings, share their worries, and receive emotional support from peers who genuinely understand their journey.
  5. Strengthening Family Bonds: Group Family Coaching involves the active participation of both parents and caregivers. As they work together towards common goals, it can foster a stronger bond between family members, leading to a more cohesive and supportive family unit.
  6. Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring: With the guidance of the coach, families can set specific goals and create actionable plans to address their child’s unique needs. The coach helps monitor progress, celebrate achievements, and adjust strategies if necessary.

In conclusion, Group Family Coaching is a transformative resource that empowers families of children with autism. Through shared experiences, skill development, emotional support, and strengthened family bonds, parents can navigate the challenges of autism with greater confidence and optimism. 

Ultimately, Group Family Coaching offers an environment where families can grow together, celebrate victories, and find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone on this journey. By embracing this approach, families can create a brighter future for their children with autism, filled with love, understanding, and unwavering support.

Want to work with a parent coach for families with autistic children?

Contact us for services in Arizona and North Carolina.

About the Author

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Dr. Mike Henderson, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA

Regional Operations Director

North Carolina

Mike Henderson, PhD, LBA, BCBA-D, is the Regional Operations Director at Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. With over two decades of experience in behavior analysis and organizational leadership, he focuses on mentoring teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, growth, and excellence in client care. Mike believes strong leadership and supportive systems are essential for helping clients, families, and providers succeed together.

Felicia Freeman

Clinic Manager

I am Felicia Freeman, the Clinic Manager for Cardinal Pediatric Therapies. I have been in ABA for several years now and am passionate about the community that we serve. I started out as an RBT, decided to go the administrative route, and worked my way up to managing clinics. I choose this field every day because I enjoy making a meaningful impact in the lives of our clients and building strong teams that change lives.

Amanda Dean, MA, BCBA, LBA

Johnston County, NC

Amanda graduated from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2018 with her Masters in Psychology. She proceeded to complete her graduate certificate in ABA and became a BCBA in November 2020. Amanda has a passion for behavior reduction, tolerance training and functional communication training. She enjoys spending as much time as she can with her 3 children and husband. When she’s not working, Amanda is very involved in her local Pop Warner Cheerleading program where she is the Assistant Cheer Director and a head coach.

Becky Fronheiser

Operations Director

Arizona

Becky has worked in behavioral health for 7 years. She joined Cardinal in the spring of 2024.  Becky is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a passionate group of people and looks forward to supporting families with their specific ABA needs.  In her personal time, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, 6 kids and 4 grandkids and loves to travel and relax on the beach.

Matthew Wilkinson

Operations Director

Cary, NC

Matthew holds a bachelors degree from the University of Utah, Medical Degree from the Autonomous University of Guadalajara and an MBA from Western Governors University. He has worked in the pediatric field for the majority of his professional life and has a passion for helping bring the best care to children in need. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children and day trips to the coast.

 

Trisha Iannotta Bieszczad, PsyD., BCBA

Triad, NC

Trisha is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with extensive expertise since 2016 in applying behavior analytic principles to improve the lives of children and adolescents. Her professional journey began with a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, emphasizing child and adolescent development. This foundation has equipped her with a deep understanding of psychological theories and practices, which she seamlessly integrates into her work as a BCBA. Outside of her professional endeavors, Trisha enjoys reading, spending time outdoors with her family & trying out new restaurants. Trisha’s dedication to both her career and personal interests reflects her commitment to continual growth and enrichment, both professionally and personally. Her multifaceted background allows her to approach each aspect of her life with a blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine appreciation for learning and exploration.

Tina Lee

Director of Finance

Tina Lee is the Finance Director for Cardinal with a variety of experience in the Healthcare Industry for over 13 years. She is compassionate and always eager to assist where she can. In the ever-changing Healthcare environment, Tina has played a vital role in putting processes in place to obtain high efficiency outcomes to help our clients get the care they need. Tina enjoys the outdoors and loves spending time with her family.

William Evans

Director of Outreach and Recruitment

William is a UNCW Graduate who started his professional career working in Marketing and Recruiting for a local technology company before looking for an opportunity to take those skills and help others. In his spare time he plays hockey, including annually for the North Carolina Autism Hockey Tournament, which is dedicated to the raising money and awareness for organizations helping local families with children diagnosed with autism.

Alice Okamoto, MA, BCBA, LBA

Chief of Staff

Alice has been with Cardinal for over 4 years and has worn many hats along the way!  Alice has a passion for working with clients and families as a unit, supervising behavior analyst trainees, and collaborating on strategic initiatives to ensure clinical efficiencies.  Alice‘s professional experience began with ABA in a school setting, and has worked in schools, homes, and clinics throughout the years while enjoying collaboration with related providers.  In her free time, Alice enjoys traveling, exploring parks with her dog, Oliver, and trying new restaurants. 

Darrin Miller

CEO

Darrin has dedicated his education and career to the field of behavioral health. As a licensed therapist and master’s in clinical counseling he works to create solutions that improve the lives of those impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder at a local, state, and national level. He strives to create a culture of caring and empathy while innovating solutions for improving families’ access to quality care as quickly as possible.