Program Description
The UA-ASD Clinic’s Supporting and Enhancing Resilient Families (SERF) Program was developed to provide parent education, skills training, and other supports for children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental or emotional/behavioral needs and their parents/caregivers. The SERF Program incorporates evidence-based practices 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 through this program are free of charge. For most services, reimbursement to the family for expenses such as mileage, childcare, etc. are provided.
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.
Child/Adolescent Services
Child and adolescent skill-building groups are offered periodically throughout the year. These groups are designed for children and adolescents who have a diagnosis of ASD or other neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., ADHD, Learning Disability), or their siblings. Each program focuses on developing different social competencies, coping strategies, and emotion control/regulation skills within the context of specific interventions and concerns. The curricula used for the groups are research-supported programs and incorporates activities both during the session and at home. For the most current information about groups, please visit our Groups and Events page.
Parent/Caregiver Services
- Parent Support and Behavior Management Group: 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.
- 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 Evenings: 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 apply for respite vouchers once per month. 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. Parents/caregivers must apply for respite vouchers and provide information about the activities for which they may be used.
Contact Us
If you or your child/adolescent may be interested in enrolling in the SERF Program, please contact us at (205)-348-3130 or autismclinic@ua.edu to request more information or to set an appointment for an initial assessment for the program.
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.
