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This session is intended for school psychologists who are committed to creating a more inclusive and affirming mental health system of support for autistic youth in schools. The training focuses on delivering sensitive, nonjudgmental care within school-based mental health intervention. Using a neurodiversity-affirming lens, it begins with a review of the core characteristics of autism, discussing how autism increases one's susceptibility to experiencing mental health disorders and how masking affects individuals. Neurodiversity-affirming assessment, intervention, and support strategies will be discussed. The training concludes with suggested modifications for commonly used evidence-based interventions.
Learner Objectives This session will help participants:
- Understand the core characteristics of autism, recognizing how these characteristics may influence the mental health of autistic individuals.
- Apply a neurodiversity-affirming lens in assessment and intervention work with autistic individuals.
- Adapt commonly used evidence-based interventions to better support autistic individuals’ mental health.