Program Description
The UA-ASD Clinic’s Supporting and Educating Resilient Families (SERF) program is developed to provide community education, training, and other supports for children and adolescents with diagnosed or suspected autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with their emotional/behavioral needs and those of their parents/caregivers. SERF provides workshops, events, and respite resources for families of children with developmental delays and emotional/behavioral needs and provides families with opportunities to receive services through both in-clinic and online formats. The services provided are free of charge thanks for a generous grant from the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama.
Services Provided
Services provided through the SERF program are completed at no cost to the family. Enrollment in the program begins with a brief family assessment that can be done in person or online/by phone. Once the assessment is completed, families can choose along with SERF Program staff which of the following services are most appropriate for them and their families.
Services Provided Include:
- Parent/Caregiver Workshops: These groups are periodically throughout the room and can be attended virtually or in-person. Childcare is provided at in-person meetings. Additionally, compensation in the form of Visa Gift Cards are provided to parents for each assessment completed and meeting attended. Meetings occur every other week and are led by a trained therapist. Parents are guided through a curriculum on child/adolescent behavior management as well as provided with relevant information on ASD-specific topics and resources.
- Child and adolescent workshop and events: These groups are designed for children and adolescents who have a diagnosis of ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., ADHD, Learning Disability), and/or their siblings. Workshops may include education about social skills, internet safety and literacy, bullying, or other relevant topics. For the most current information about groups, please visit our Groups and Events page.
- Online and Community Resources: Access to online resources including short videos that address issues covered in the parenting program and social support meetings (e.g., positive behavior parenting techniques, access to community resources, stress management, etc.).
- Respite Care Events: Free childcare is provided for families enrolled in the Parent Support and Behavior Management Groups or Child Skill Building Groups for children between the ages of 2 and 14 years of age. These evenings will be provided on a bimonthly to quarterly basis.
- Respite vouchers: parents/caregivers may periodically apply for respite vouchers, depending on eligibility. Respite care refers to short-term relief for primary caregivers. Vouchers can be used for any form of respite, such as in-home babysitting or care coverage by trusted family members. To apply for a respite voucher, at least one caregiver must attend a workshop through the UA-ASD Clinic. Information about eligible workshops can be found on the Groups and Events Page. Visit the Respite Voucher application page here.
Funding for this program is provided through a grant received from the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect, Children’s Trust Fund. Visit the Children’s Trust Fund website to learn more.
