Conceptualizing Treatment When Autism is Only the Tip of the Iceberg

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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

Treating autistic clients involves navigating a myriad of complexities that can significantly impact the effectiveness of care. These complexities arise from various factors, including co-occurring conditions, social determinants of health, and unconscious bias.

Co-occurring Conditions
Autistic individuals often experience additional health challenges that can complicate their treatment. These co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and epilepsy, require careful management alongside autism-specific interventions. Each condition can influence the presentation and progression of autism, necessitating a holistic and individualized approach to care.

Social Determinants of Health
The social determinants of health play a crucial role in the well-being of autistic clients. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, education, and social support systems can either facilitate or hinder effective treatment. For instance, individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face barriers to accessing specialized care, while those with strong support networks may experience better outcomes. Understanding and addressing these determinants is essential for providing equitable and effective care.

Unconscious Bias
Unconscious bias can significantly impact the treatment of autistic clients. Healthcare providers may hold implicit biases that affect their perceptions and interactions with autistic individuals. These biases can lead to misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment plans, and overall poorer health outcomes. It is vital for healthcare professionals to engage in continuous self-reflection and training to recognize and mitigate the effects of unconscious bias, ensuring that all clients receive fair and compassionate care.

Speaker
Jemma Grindstaff, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Director, Carolina Living and Learning Center
UNC TEACCH Autism Program
Assistant Professor, UNC SOM Department of Psychiatry

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



TEACCH Series
Session 1 | Autism 101: Understanding the Diagnostic Symptoms and Learning Styles of Individuals with ASD in a Therapeutic Setting
December 10, 2024 | 12:00pm-1:30pm
Sara McGrath Matherly, Ph.D.

Session 3 | Managing Challenging Behaviors in ASD
May 1, 2025 | 12:00pm-1:30pm
Nina Leezenbaum, Ph.D.

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 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 AHEC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

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Objectives

• Identify factors that contribute to greater complexity in ASD cases.
• Develop a greater awareness for the cumulative effect of these factors.
• Explore a framework for developing individualized interventions to address complex cases in ASD.

Sessions