Understanding and Treating Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-Morbid Anxiety

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Target Audience

Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals.

Description

Please note - this event has been changed from in-person to webinar.

The incidence of autism has been steadily increasing over the last 20 years, especially for the group of individuals with good verbal skills and at least average intelligence. This group has been referred to as individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) (formerly Asperger’s Syndrome). In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), these individuals all fall under the category of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with good intelligence and good verbal skills. These high-functioning children, adolescents, and adults with ASD present significant social-communication and emotional regulation difficulties despite their well-developed cognitive skills. Many of these individuals present with significant anxiety issues which affect their functioning across a variety of settings. Due to the rising incidence, there is an increased need for professionals trained to address the emotional and social needs of this population.

This workshop will focus on recognizing the learning characteristics of individuals with HFA and how they impact anxiety and emotional regulation. Treatment considerations will also be discussed, including the Structured TEACCHing approach to decrease stress by improving abilities in the domains of social, communication, and behavior. Cognitive behavioral strategies for addressing emotional regulation and developing coping strategies will be highlighted. The presenters will cover treatment interventions for school-aged children, adolescents, and adults.

Faculty
Joyce J. Lum, Ph.D.
Staff Psychologist
UNC TEACCH Autism Program-Charlotte

This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH TEACCH Autism Program and the NCAHEC Program.

Webinar Information
This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. You can test your computer by going to the Zoom Test Page.

South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

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Objectives

• Describe the learning style of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• Explain the differential diagnostic characteristics of autism vs. anxiety disorder.
• Explain how the interaction between the learning style of autism and avoidance behavior affects the functioning and treatment of co-existing anxiety.
• Discuss the Structured TEACCHing approach for addressing behavior problems, as well as social, learning, and communication domains for high-functioning individuals with ASD.
• Identify treatment strategies to assess and develop emotional regulation in individuals with ASD and anxiety.

Sessions