Understanding and working with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Description

This workshop will identify features of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), discuss the complexity of ASD and common comorbid mental health disorders and how symptoms of mental illness may manifest for a young person with ASD. Participants will be provided with suggestions on how to modify engagement and assessment approaches with young people with ASD, familiarized with screening tools and pathways to formal assessment and provided practical suggestions and skills for treatment planning, managing intense emotions, working with problematic behaviors, sensory preferences and social coaching.

At the completion of this workshop you will be able to:
• Identify the features of ASD that may be present for a young person.
• Understand the cognitive differences underlying ASD.
• Become familiar with screening resources and pathways for formal assessment.
• Formulate how ASD might predispose a young person to experience mental ill health.
• Reflect on how symptoms might manifest differently for a young person with an ASD.
• Assess the young person’s particular ASD strengths and weaknesses.
• Adapt treatment planning and set realistic goals for treatment.
• Understand how to work systemically: involving family and other supports.
• Practice intervention skills through the use of ASD manual worksheets and other resources, on topics including:
 Understanding and managing intense emotions
 Identifying and working with problematic behaviours
 Sensory preferences and basic interventions
 Being a social coach: including how to talk about sex and romantic relationships