Bridging the ASD and Mental Health Services Gap
Original Air Date: July 10, 2024
CEU offered: 1.5 BACB Learning CEU
Webinar Duration: 90 minutes
CE Instructors:
- Paula Pompa-Craven, Psy.D
- Rick Gutierrrez, PhD, BCBA, Licensed Psychologist
- Allyson Moore, MS, BCBA, LMFT, CCTP
- Becca Tagg, PsyD, MSCP, NCSP, BCBA-D, LP, LBA NC
Abstract:
Research indicates that individuals with ASD are more likely to experience mental health conditions or disorders than those without autism. In fact, the Autism Research Institute reports that nearly 78% of children with autism have at least one mental health diagnosis, while almost 50% have two or more diagnoses. Despite this, there is a shortage of experienced practitioners available to address the co-occurrence of mental health conditions. This panel will share additional data, their experiences, and strategies to address this challenge. In this session, presenters will explore ways to bridge the service gap for autistic individuals with comorbid mental health concerns. Panelists will share statistics, discuss current challenges, and brainstorm strategies to address these challenges. An interdisciplinary discussion of the role of BCBAs, psychologists, and others when serving individuals with multiple diagnoses and when and how to refer for behavioral health services will also be explored.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will cite the current prevalence rates of co-occurring ASD and mental health conditions and the leading diagnoses.
- Participants will describe the ethics and considerations surrounding operating within the limits of their certification, license, or scope of practice.
- Participants will generate strategies for using a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.
- Participants will list steps to take to support and expand the service delivery for those with co-occurring conditions.
Instructor(s)
![](https://files.cdn.thinkific.com/instructors/001/156/2971720901304.small.png)
Paula Pompa-Craven
![](https://import.cdn.thinkific.com/291832/vXhF8FYORvexvqGGXqbA_Untitled%20design%20%288%29.png)
Clinical Director, DelMar Center for Behavioral Health Becca Tagg, MEd, EdS, PsyD, BSCP, BCBA
![](https://files.cdn.thinkific.com/instructors/000/877/3721671744318.small.png)