National Autism Association launched divorce programme

The National Autism Association (NAA) launched a marriage counselling programme yesterday (Tuesday) for couples with autistic children.

Created in partnership with Luminent Counseling, Family First is an on-demand programme and is available to such parents from the comfort of their own homes, with the hope of helping to prevent them from separating or divorcing. It is also hoped that promoting awareness of divorce in the autism community will help parents to start talking about their relationships in a positive way.

NAA executive director Rita Shreffler said: "Many couples have a difficult time going to counselling due to limited childcare options. We partnered with the on-demand company Luminent Counseling so that couples have access to trained, certified therapists without needing to leave their home.

"The main goal of Family First is to keep families together," added NAA Board Member Lori McIlwain. "For many, this could mean providing a stronger foundation for their children to progress, two-income potential, and less stress on one parent."

The NAA is currently conducting a national divorce survey in the US of families with autistic children in a bid to provide an accurate divorce rate for theses families. It is thought that 80 per cent of married couples with autistic kids end up divorced.