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What is Cothú?
Cothú is a class for caregivers raising autistic children. It is taught by autistic adults who bring a unique and important perspective, describing a social model of support that removes the burden that is so often place on our children to change who they are. Instead, the presenters will teach you techniques to shift the environment your child spends time in, giving them more access to relationships, learning, and whatever brings them joy!​
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In short, Cothú is:
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Research-based support that puts your autistic child’s experience front and center.
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A celebration of your child's strengths, joys, and unique way of being.
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A proactive approach that looks at WHY your child is having difficulty and provides tools to shift the environment to help reduce clashes and increase harmony within the family.
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A place where like-minded parents can meet and share space and their experiences.
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Upcoming Class Information
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November/December 2024 in Kittery, ME
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Dates
5 Saturdays - 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 12/7 & 12/14/24 (we do not meet 11/30)
Time 8AM-10AM
Location Ohana by the Sea Community Cafe - 8 Dexter Lane, Kittery, ME
Investment
$375 for 5 two-hour classes and ongoing follow-up group support
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Weekly Topics
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Week 1: Intro to you and neurodiversity
Following introductions, we'll start to learn about how to view autism through a "neurodiversity lens" versus a "medical lens" and begin exploring the autistic experience.
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Week 2: What it feels like to be autistic
This week we will look at what it really means to be an autistic person. We'll learn about how the autistic experience can vary greatly based on how supportive (or not) the environment is.
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Week 3: Family Life
We'll explore what living as a family means and strategies for getting everyone's needs met. You'll leave with some wonderful tools and strategies for creating a greater understanding and harmony between everyone in the household, even siblings!
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Week 4: "Parenting Autistically"
Um, what? Though it may sound a bit strange, this simply means parenting with your autistic child's experience front and center. We'll explore ways of parenting that fit with having an autistic child. We'll also dive into the importance of self-care and what this may look like for you. You will again leave with tools and strategies to make this happen!
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Week 5: Raising a happy, authentic autistic child
In our final week, we will focus on “Happy Parent = Happy Child” and look at Autistic Pride and what it means to raise an authentic, Autistic child.