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Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder and Psychiatric Co-Morbidities Using Applied Behavior Analysis |
Thursday, May 26, 2022 |
4:00 PM–7:00 PM |
Meeting Level 2; Room 256 |
Area: AUT; Domain: Service Delivery |
CE Instructor: Jessica R. Everett, Ph.D. |
JESSICA R. EVERETT (Melmark New England), BARBARA O'MALLEY CANNON (Melmark New England) |
Description: There is growing recognition of the increasing prevalence of comorbid autism spectrum disorder and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and trauma- and stress related disorders (Hossain et al, 2020; Meyer et al, 2020). Clinicians providing applied behavior analytic services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and co-morbid psychiatric conditions should have knowledge of various presentations and an understanding of how different treatment approaches may be integrated. This is particularly relevant for children and adolescents with comorbidities who may appear to have a poor response to applied behavior analysis and where collaboration with various professionals implementing evidence-based treatment for varying conditions (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorder) is needed. Developing behavior support plans that are based upon a functional approach to behavior that also include strategies that work to ameliorate rather than exacerbate clinical symptoms is crucial. Equally crucial is developing positive behavior support plans that can be implemented across settings and individuals (e.g., teachers, clinicians, caregivers). The current workshop will review differential diagnosis of autism and various psychiatric disorders, present case reviews, review collaborative practice and assist clinicians in adapting commonly used behavioral procedures with consideration of the whole individual. |
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify core features of anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and trauma and stress related disorders.
2. Learn strategies for collaborating with professionals providing collateral care for treatment of comorbid autism spectrum and psychiatric disorders.
3. Develop treatment goals that enhance skill development related to the core features of autism spectrum disorders and various psychiatric disorders.
4. Identify components of positive behavior support plans that can be generalized across settings and individuals. |
Activities: Workshop activities will include:
1. Lecture/discussion
2. Group work to review a case study, formulate treatment plan
3. Completion of self-report tool on collaborative practice |
Audience: Participants should have three to five years of direct care experience working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. Clinical experience may include educational, clinic-based or home-based services. |
Content Area: Practice |
Instruction Level: Intermediate |
Keyword(s): Anxiety, Autism, Depressive Disorders, Trauma |