As our understanding of autism continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to supporting autistic individuals in clinical settings. The upcoming virtual event, "Embracing Neurodiversity: Strengths-Based Approaches for Autism in Clinical Practice," is designed to equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to do just that. Scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. MST, this workshop offers 4.0 Continuing Education (CE) credits, including an ethics component, for psychologists and other mental health professionals.
Why Attend This Workshop?
The concept of neurodiversity, which recognizes the inherent differences in how human minds perceive and interact with the world, has gained significant traction since its inception in the 1990s. This framework challenges the traditional medical model of autism that often pathologizes autistic behaviors and instead promotes an understanding that values diverse cognitive styles. However, integrating neurodiversity into clinical practice requires more than just a shift in perspective; it calls for concrete skills and strategies that mental health professionals can apply to better serve their autistic clients.
This workshop, led by Dr. Laura Rowley, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and Program Director for the Assessment and Testing Team at the Utah Center for Evidence Based Treatment (UCEBT), will provide attendees with these essential tools. Dr. Rowley brings a wealth of experience in assessing and treating autistic children and adults, and her expertise will guide participants through the principles of neurodiversity-affirming practice.
What You'll Learn
By attending this workshop, participants will:
- Understand how neurodiversity-affirming principles align with professional ethics: Learn to balance ethical considerations with the need to support autistic clients in a way that respects their unique neurocognitive profiles.
- Conceptualize cases from a neurodiversity paradigm: Shift your perspective to view autism through a strengths-based lens, enhancing your ability to tailor interventions to individual client needs.
- Enhance therapeutic relationships: Discover at least three strategies for building stronger connections with autistic clients, grounded in neurodiversity-affirming principles.
- Incorporate practical skills into evidence-based treatments: Learn how to adapt popular therapeutic approaches to better support autistic clients, ensuring your interventions are both effective and respectful of their neurodiversity.
Flexible Learning Options
For those unable to attend the live session, UCEBT offers a home-study option. Simply register for the free, non-CE version of the event, and sign up for the mailing list. Within two weeks of the live event, you'll receive information on how to purchase the home-study version for $60, allowing you to earn CE credits at your own pace.
Additionally, all registered participants will receive a recording of the event and the presentation slides, making it easier to revisit the material and apply what you've learned in your practice.
A Commitment to Ethical Practice
This workshop is more than just an opportunity to earn CE credits—it's a commitment to ethical, inclusive, and effective practice. As mental health professionals, it's our responsibility to continuously update our understanding and approaches, ensuring that all clients, including those who are autistic, receive the highest standard of care.
Join Us
Don't miss this chance to deepen your understanding of neurodiversity and enhance your clinical practice. Register today for "Embracing Neurodiversity: Strengths-Based Approaches for Autism in Clinical Practice" and take a significant step towards becoming a more inclusive and effective clinician.
For more information or to register, visit UCEBT's events page or contact Jennifer at or (801) 419-0139. We look forward to seeing you there!
