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

  1. Participants will cite the current prevalence rates of co-occurring ASD and mental health conditions and the leading diagnoses.

  2. Participants will describe the ethics and considerations surrounding operating within the limits of their certification, license, or scope of practice.
  3. Participants will generate strategies for using a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment. 
  4. Participants will list steps to take to support and expand the service delivery for those with co-occurring conditions. 


Instructor(s)

Paula Pompa-Craven

Dr. Paula Pompa-Craven, Psy.D, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment and diagnosis of autism and other developmental disabilities. She has been with Easterseals Southern California (ESSC) since 1995 and supported several different service lines before becoming Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of ESSC’s Autism Therapy Services. In that role, Paula supervises a staff of over 1,400 which provides applied behavior analysis, speech, physical and occupational therapy services to over 16,000 individuals with autism and their families annually.

Clinical Director, DelMar Center for Behavioral Health Becca Tagg, MEd, EdS, PsyD, BSCP, BCBA

Dr. Becca is originally from Pennsylvania. She moved to North Carolina during college at UNCW and fell in love with the area. Despite moving around to further her education, she knew she wanted to return to the crystal coast. Dr. Becca is an active participant in local and national associations focused on improving knowledge and service delivery for psychology, behavior analysis, and psychopharmacology. She is passionate about outreach and welcomes contact regarding speaking engagements as well as supervision or mentoring interests.

Chief Professional Standards Officer Allyson Moore, MS, BCBA, LMFT

Allyson Moore is the Chief Professional Standards Officer for the Center for Applied Behavior Analysis (CABA). She collaborates with leadership team members in developing and implementing clinical best practices. Allyson serves as President of the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA) and on the ABA Coding Coalition as a representative of APBA. She is a member of the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP) special interest groups of Documentation, Outcomes, Multispecialty Practices, and California Advocacy. She also serves on the Health Insurance Ad Hoc committee for the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA). She has extensive experience serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. She works in coordination and collaboration with primary caregivers, stakeholders, and other related public and private agencies.