Workshop om psykoedukation
Self knowledge is the beginning of wisdom and empowerment: Psychoeducation for people with an autism spectrum disorder and mild learning difficulties.
Abstract
In order to empower people with a disability, i.e. to give them the power to take charge of their own life, it is necessary to increase their understanding and knowledge of themselves and their disability. Knowledge of one’s abilities, vulnerabilities and dreams for the future is crucial for self realization. However, self knowledge is at risk in people with autism and learning difficulties. The difficulties they have in mindreading also affect the understanding of their own mind. So, helping them to find out who they are and what they want is pivotal for their mental health. Psychoeducation as a method involves teaching people about their problem, giving them the knowledge and skills to cope with their illness or disability. Psychoeducation has been widely used with people with all kinds of disorders and disabilities (schizophrenia, anorexia, mood disorders, AIDS) but is relatively new in the field of autism. We will present a model of an autism friendly model of psychoeducation, illustrated with many examples of psychoeducation activities that we developed for people with autism and mild learning difficulties. Topics that can be covered in psychoeducation and that will be presented are:
- knowledge about one’s autism spectrum disorder;
- knowledge about the consequences of autism on one’s personal life (friendship, marriage, raising children, work);
- coping with stress (stress management);
- self-advocacy.