How can family therapy help?
Family therapy is not just about helping the child with autism—it’s about supporting the entire family unit to function more positively, reduce stress, and create a nurturing environment where all members can grow and feel understood.
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Supports Parental Mental Health
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Parents of children with autism often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and even depression.
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Friends and even family members may distance themselves because they can't relate to the unfamiliar behavior of someone with autism leading to the family being more socially isolated.
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Stress built up from lack of sleep, coordinating therapeutic services, advocating and little respite can take it's toll on the caregiver.
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Therapy provides a safe space for parents to express emotions, reduce feelings of guilt or frustration and learn stress-management techniques.
Improves Family Communication
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Children with autism may have communication difficulties, leading to misunderstandings or frustration within the family.
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Family therapy helps parents and siblings develop more effective ways to communicate and connect with their child.
Builds Consistency in Parenting Approaches
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Autism often requires specific behavioral strategies and structured routines.
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Family therapy helps align parenting styles, ensuring consistency in discipline, expectations, and support for the child.
Educates and Empowers Families
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Therapists can teach families about autism, behavioral interventions, and how to advocate for their child in educational and medical settings.
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This helps parents feel more confident and in more control.
Strengthens Sibling Relationships
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Siblings of children with autism may feel neglected or confused by the extra attention their brother or sister needs.
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Therapy can include siblings, helping them process their emotions and foster a more understanding and inclusive family dynamic.
Promotes Long-Term Adaptation
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Family therapy helps parents plan for the future, including transitions to adulthood and independent living.
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It supports emotional resilience over the long term.
Providers who can help
Works of Heart Therapy
Contact: Marisa Lawrence ATR-BC LPC, Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor
Services: Counseling, Art Therapy, Art Therapy Assessments, Supervision, and Consultation for Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Where: 628 Twin Ponds Rd, Breinigsville, Pa 18031
Call: 484-891-1131
Email: marisa.lawrence.lpc@gmail.com
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Bethlehem Pediatric Services
Where: 701 West Union Ave, Unit 10, Bethlehem PA 18018
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Virginia Herzog, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Neurodiverse Counseling Associates, LLC
Where: 2132 S 12th St, Suite 402, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18103
Call: (272) 808-0447
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Laura K. McGraw-Cook, PhD
Where: 3005 Brodhead Road, Suite 282, Bethlehem, PA 18020
Call: 610-360-5090
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MCC Family Services
Where: 800 Clarmont Ave, Suite B, Bensalem, PA 19020
Call: (267) 525-7000
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Merakey
Where: 87 S Commerce Way, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Phone: 610-814-4850
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OMNI
Peer specialists assist individuals in establishing meaningful social connections, accessing education and employment support, and navigating the system.
Locations: PA: Colmar, Allentown, Bristol, Bethlehem, Chester, Hazelton, Kingston, Scranton, Tobyhanna, Upper Darby, Wilson Borough
Call: 215-997-2000
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PA Mentor
Where: 3450 High Point Blvd Suite 160, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: 610-867-3173
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Pinebrook Family Answers
SHAPE provides education on parenting, stress management, anger management, parent-child relationships, budgeting, and establishing a support system. Program staff is thoroughly trained and experienced in teaching parenting and family life skills as well as knowledgeable about community resources.
Where: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Wind Gap
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Valley Youth House
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers evidence-based treatment at school or in home for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.
Where: 3400 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: (610) 820-0166
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ZimZum Consulting Collaboration
​Where: 191 Main street, Suite 103, Emmaus, PA 18049
Call: 610-973-5335