Assessment and Early Intervention for Autism Spectrum and Mental Health Diagnoses

This course expands the conversation beyond treatment teams to support families and prioritize the needs of children, adolescents, and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder or mental health dual diagnoses. As social workers, therapists, and counselors, we do not have the skillset of BCBA’s when treating ASD and other related behavioral disorders. Helayna Banks, Tyra Johnson, and Dr. Carla Smith provide unique perspective to BCBA’s role in treatment and the specifics around assessment and diagnosis.

You will learn to:

• Develop assessment skills necessary to assist clients and their families in early intervention of autism spectrum disorders.

• Explore the role of applied behavior analysts on a clinical treatment team and discuss ways mental health therapists can refer families to services.

• Detail specific assessment tools and interventions to be used in therapy when there are symptoms of both ASD and a mental health disorder.

This course offers the assessment, treatment options, and resources through a behavior analysts’ lens.

First, we look at what exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder and what are some early signs that lead to this diagnosis. Behavior analysis helps clear up the grey area that is found often with this diagnosis or mental health dual diagnoses.

Next, we breakdown the acronyms and clearly define everyone’s role on the treatment team - including the parent’s role and how they are integral into a child’s treatment.

Then, we talk about how to shift the stigmatizing language around Autism Spectrum Disorder. Instead of talking about what the child is doing wrong, what else are BCBA’s recommending us to say? Tune in to find out.