Interventions in Autism: Helping Clients Stay Centered, Connect with Others, and Engage in Life
With increased autism awareness in our communities comes an increase in clients seeking autism-informed clinicians who provide appropriate interventions. The mental health clinician may realize the importance of specialized training but not know where to turn.
This introductory/intermediate level course consists of five videos with audio and transcript versions. It is designed to equip clinicians who serve clients across the lifespan (school-aged through retirement). Using a lifespan approach, the course covers the three most frequent intervention needs of the autistic client: emotional regulation, social and relationship skills, and adaptive behavior. The content is geared toward the counseling setting and does not teach applied behavioral analysis (ABA). Multiple clinical scenarios are presented to illustrate intervention concepts.
Educational Objectives
This course will teach the participant to
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to choose and prioritize intervention goals for autistic clients
- Identify characteristics of Theory of Mind
- Compare the two pillars of communication: topic and person
- Identify three forms of dysregulation in autistic clients
- Identify the role of sensory inputs in emotional regulation
- Demonstrate the difference between intellect and adaptive behavior in autism
Syllabus
- Introduction to Intervention Concepts
- How to Create Therapeutic Goals
- Using a Strategic Approach
- Expectations for Outcomes
- Emotional and Behavioral Regulation
- Definition and Relevance to Autism
- Traditional Mental Health Approaches
- Alternative Approaches for the Individual
- Alternative Approaches: Sensory Inputs
- Alternative Approaches for the Group/Family
- Social Skills Training
- Goal Setting
- Social Approach
- Reciprocal Interactions
- Social Responses
- Nonverbal Communication
- Relationship Training
- ABCs of Relationships
- Advanced Relationship Skills
- Reciprocal Relationships
- Adaptive Behavior
- The Challenges of Engagement in Daily Life
- Taking a Strategic Approach
- Access to Rewards
- Increasing Life Skills