Assessment & CBT for Autistic Clients I

Service Description

While it is increasingly recognized that anxiety disorders and OCD are more prevalent in autistic persons than the general population, these individuals are often unable to access Cognitive Behavior Treatment (CBT) for Anxiety/OCD. Many clinicians want to use CBT to address mental health problems in autistic individuals but may incorrectly believe they cannot effectively treat this population. This introductory workshop is designed to bridge this knowledge and confidence gap. Intended audience is those with basic knowledge of Autism and some direct clinical experience with Anxiety/OCD. This 75 minute, one time workshop includes elements such as didactics in foundational and applicable knowledge relevant to treating those with autism and co-occurring anxiety/OCD. Intended Audience: Beginning and Intermediate Clinicians Course Overview: Topic 1: Autism information processing differences Topic 2: General CBT Modifications from a positive behavior support framework Topic 3:ERP Modification for Autistic Clients After this workshop, participants will be able to 1. Identify core features and individual differences of autism 2. Understand the importance of listening to autistic lived-experiences and be able to collaborate with autistic patients to integrate this into CBT. 3. Adapt and apply behavioral and cognitive interventions (e.g. exposure, differential reinforcement of behavior, family reinforcement, cognitive restructuring) to treat co-occurring mental health conditions in those with Autism. Rebecca Sachs, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and an expert in treatments for Anxiety, Autism, and OCD. She believes in empowering individuals and their families with knowledge and skills to not only manage current challenges, but to also be ready to handle new problems when they may arise. Dr. Sachs is a sought-after clinician and speaker who regularly presents at conferences. With colleagues, she was recently awarded a federally funded grant through the New York State Office of Mental Health, aimed at helping train community-based service providers better serve children and youth who are dually diagnosed with mental illness, like OCD, and a developmental disability. She has a private practice in New York City (and virtually in the state of NY) and is co-Director of Successful School Transitions, a comprehensive program for school refusal.

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