Generating positive connections: Parent_Net, an educational experience for parents of adolescents with ASD

Abstract

The interplay between psychology and special education is here declined in relation to a proposal of a support group for parents of adolescents with autism diagnosis. Starting from a reflection on
the epistemological basis of positive psychology and special education, the article illustrates the outcomes of a support group practice by focusing on parents’ good practices with their adolescents.
The aim is to explore whether involvement in a support group contributes to parents’ sense of belonging and well-being by creating a locus in which they can feel positive emotions and thoughts
in a pedagogical manner.