Please read the following case study:

Case Study: Single Mother Coping with a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Scenario: Emily, a single mother, has a five-year-old son named Lucas, who was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since Lucas's diagnosis, Emily has been navigating the challenges of raising a child with ASD on her own. Lucas displays difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities, making daily routines and social interactions challenging for both him and Emily.

Factors indicating ASD presence and its impact on the family: Lucas's diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is indicated by his difficulties in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. These factors significantly impact the family dynamic, as Emily must navigate Lucas's unique needs while managing her own emotions and responsibilities. The diagnosis brings both relief in understanding Lucas's behaviors and challenges in providing him with the necessary support and interventions.

Risk factors, stressors, and challenges faced by Emily: As a single mother, Emily faces numerous risk factors, stressors, and challenges in parenting a child with ASD. These include: Emotional toll: Emily experiences a range of emotions, including grief, guilt, and anxiety, as she comes to terms with Lucas's diagnosis and worries about his future. Financial strain: Raising a child with ASD often entails additional expenses for therapies, interventions, and specialized education, which can strain Emily's finances. Social isolation: Emily may feel isolated from other parents due to difficulties in relating to their experiences and challenges. The lack of a support system compounds her feelings of loneliness and stress. Daily caregiving tasks: Emily must navigate Lucas's unique needs, such as sensory sensitivities and meltdowns, while also managing household responsibilities and work commitments.

Supporting Emily within a professional counselor role: Understanding the risk factors, stressors, and challenges faced by Emily allows me to provide targeted support and interventions as a professional counselor. Here's how I can support Emily: 1Emotional support: Offer Emily a safe space to express her emotions and validate her experiences. Through empathetic listening and validation, I can help Emily process her feelings of grief, guilt, and anxiety related to Lucas's diagnosis. Provide Emily with information about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), including its symptoms, causes, and available interventions. Empowering Emily with knowledge about her son's condition can help her feel more confident in managing his behaviors and accessing appropriate resources. Coping strategies: Teach Emily coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety, such as mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and self-care practices. By equipping Emily with practical coping skills, I can help her navigate the daily challenges of parenting a child with ASD more effectively. Connecting with support networks: Encourage Emily to connect with support groups for parents of children with ASD. These groups provide opportunities for peer support, sharing experiences, and accessing resources and information about local services and therapies.

Strategies to ensure Emily and Lucas receive the support they need: Individual therapy for Emily: Offer Emily individual therapy sessions to address her emotional needs, develop coping strategies, and explore ways to enhance her resilience and well-being. Parent training and support: Provide Emily with parent training sessions focused on understanding and managing Lucas's behaviors, implementing effective communication strategies, and advocating for his needs within educational and healthcare settings.

-Please address why you feel their strategies will or will not work. Give at least 1 positive comment. If you disagree, be sure to explain why.