Full Course Description
Models of Autism: Medical and Social Models
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Self-Reflection Exercise to Explore Assumptions about Autism
- Overview of Medical Model
- Overview of Social Model
- Neurodiversity Language Introduced
Program Information
Objectives
- Analyze the medical model and social model, and how they affect an autistic client’s identity and self-acceptance.
Outline
- Self-Reflection Exercise to Explore Assumptions about Autism
- Overview of Medical Model
- Overview of Social Model
- Neurodiversity Language Introduced
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
03/29/2024
Autistic Traits: What All Therapists Need to Know
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Autism as Defined by the Medical Model (DSM & ICD)
- Autistic Experiences Not in the DSM
- Explore Case Examples
- Autism as Defined by the Autistic Community
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Language Guide
Program Information
Objectives
- Identify DSM-based autism criteria through adult case examples and activities.
- Describe autistic traits as defined by the Autistic community.
Outline
- Autism as Defined by the Medical Model (DSM & ICD)
- Autistic Experiences Not in the DSM
- Explore Case Examples
- Autism as Defined by the Autistic Community
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Language Guide
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
08/07/2024
Providing Culturally Competent and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- History of the Neurodiversity Movement
- Autistic Identity and Autistic Culture
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach is Culturally Responsive
- Evaluating and Addressing Your Own Ableist Biases
- Alternatives to Ableist Language
Program Information
Objectives
- Explore the evolution of the neurodiversity movement and Autistic culture.
- Assess cultural competence through self-reflection exercises on neurotypical biases and ableism.
Outline
- History of the Neurodiversity Movement
- Autistic Identity and Autistic Culture
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach is Culturally Responsive
- Evaluating and Addressing Your Own Ableist Biases
- Alternatives to Ableist Language
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
06/20/2024
Hot Topics in Autism
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Interoception and Alexithymia
- Autistic Burnout
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
- Intersectionality (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Autigender, Neuroqueer)
- Autistic Masking and Camouflaging
Program Information
Objectives
- Determine core issues affecting autistic clients' mental health, including autistic masking and burnout, rejection sensitivity, interoception, and PDA.
- Analyze intersectionality and evaluate the impact of multiple marginalized identities for autistic individuals (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, etc).
Outline
- Interoception and Alexithymia
- Autistic Burnout
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
- Intersectionality (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Autigender, Neuroqueer)
- Autistic Masking and Camouflaging
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
09/20/2024
Autism and Trauma
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- PTSD and Autism
- Complex PTSD and Autism
- Common Sources of Trauma for Autistic Individuals
- Autism-Specific Risk Factors for Trauma
- Differential Diagnosis of Autism and PTSD
Program Information
Objectives
- Describe research on risk factors and common sources of trauma for autistic adults and teens.
- Evaluate complex trauma, coping, and differential diagnoses of autism and PTSD.
Outline
- PTSD and Autism
- Complex PTSD and Autism
- Common Sources of Trauma for Autistic Individuals
- Autism-Specific Risk Factors for Trauma
- Differential Diagnosis of Autism and PTSD
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
03/15/2024
Clinical Considerations for Special Populations
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Late-Life Diagnosed Autistic Adults
- Women and Autism
- Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and Autism
Program Information
Objectives
- Support self-discovery for late-life diagnosed autistic individuals and autistic women.
- Explore overlap and differences between autism and highly sensitive person (HSP).
- Describe the four aspects of high sensitivity in adult clients.
Outline
- Late-Life Diagnosed Autistic Adults
- Women and Autism
- Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and Autism
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
08/30/2024
Case Conceptualization - Unraveling the Complexity
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Dispelling Misconceptions about Autism
- Variations in Autism Presentation
- Common Presenting Problems
- Case Examples
Program Information
Objectives
- Practice case conceptualization by analyzing common presenting problems for autistic adults and teens.
- Evaluate variations in presentation and challenge stereotypes to improve case conceptualization.
Outline
- Dispelling Misconceptions about Autism
- Variations in Autism Presentation
- Common Presenting Problems
- Case Examples
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
09/26/2024
Autism in Context: History, Causes and Neurodevelopment
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- History of Autism
- Prevalence Rates and Trends Over Time
- Genetics and Environmental Factors
- Autism Theories, Double Empathy and Monotropism
- Current Research, Risks, and Limitations
Program Information
Objectives
- Examine historical perspectives on autism, focusing on genetics, changes in diagnostic criteria, and societal views.
- Explore key autism theories, such as monotropism, the double empathy problem, and the extreme male brain theory.
Outline
- History of Autism
- Prevalence Rates and Trends Over Time
- Genetics and Environmental Factors
- Autism Theories, Double Empathy and Monotropism
- Current Research, Risks, and Limitations
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
08/02/2024
Autism Screening, Identification and Diagnosis: What all Therapists Need to Know
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Is My Client Autistic? Signs Therapists May Notice
- Adult Autism Screening Tools
- Autism Assessment Process and Making a Referral
- Common Co-Occurring Diagnoses and Differential Diagnosis
- Why is Autism so Often Misdiagnosed or Undiagnosed
Program Information
Objectives
- Identify the key signs and characteristics of autism that therapists may observe in clients, and apply adult autism screening tools in practice.
- Examine common client motivations and concerns related to seeking an autism assessment, and potential benefits of obtaining a diagnosis.
- Evaluate the reasons behind the frequent misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis of autism in adults.
Outline
- Is My Client Autistic? Signs Therapists May Notice
- Adult Autism Screening Tools
- Autism Assessment Process and Making a Referral
- Common Co-Occurring Diagnoses and Differential Diagnosis
- Why is Autism so Often Misdiagnosed or Undiagnosed
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
06/03/2024
After the Autism Diagnosis: Now what?
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Common Client Reactions to an Autism Diagnosis
- Common Parent and Family Reactions to an Autism Diagnosis
- Post-Assessment Support and Adjunctive Services
- Family, Community and Educational Support
- Executive Functioning Support
- Employment and Housing Support
- Sensory and Fine and Gross Motor Support
- Psychiatric, Pharmacological, and Medical Support
Program Information
Objectives
- Explore client and family reactions to an autism diagnosis and implement strategies for providing effective emotional support.
- Identify post-assessment support and adjunctive services (e.g. employment, community, and executive functioning support).
Outline
- Common Client Reactions to an Autism Diagnosis
- Common Parent and Family Reactions to an Autism Diagnosis
- Post-Assessment Support and Adjunctive Services
- Family, Community and Educational Support
- Executive Functioning Support
- Employment and Housing Support
- Sensory and Fine and Gross Motor Support
- Psychiatric, Pharmacological, and Medical Support
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
08/29/2024
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Principles and Strategies
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- What Autistic Clients Need From a Therapist
- COMPASS Mnemonic for Neuro-Affirming Therapy
- Neuro-Affirming Principles and Strategies
- Applying a Neuro-Affirming Approach to Case Examples
- Overcoming Treatment Barriers
Program Information
Objectives
- Analyze research on neurodivergent adults’ perspectives on therapy and identify what they need from a therapist.
- Integrate neurodivergent-affirming principles, strategies, and clinical applications using the COMPASS model.
- Identify treatment barriers for autistic clients, and strategies to overcome these barriers.
Outline
- What Autistic Clients Need From a Therapist
- COMPASS Mnemonic for Neuro-Affirming Therapy
- Neuro-Affirming Principles and Strategies
- Applying a Neuro-Affirming Approach to Case Examples
- Overcoming Treatment Barriers
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
07/15/2024
Treatment Planning
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- How to Set Neuro-Affirming Treatment Goals
- Developing Goals for Common Presenting Problems
- When to Treat, When to Refer and How to Get Consultation
- How to Prioritize Treatment Goals
- Coordinating Care with Other Professionals
Program Information
Objectives
- Develop neuro-affirming treatment goals that address common presenting problems for autistic adult and teen clients.
- Decide when it is appropriate to treat or refer out a neurodivergent client by assessing fit and needs.
Outline
- How to Set Neuro-Affirming Treatment Goals
- Developing Goals for Common Presenting Problems
- When to Treat, When to Refer and How to Get Consultation
- How to Prioritize Treatment Goals
- Coordinating Care with Other Professionals
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
05/20/2024
Interventions to Support Autistic Clients
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Neuro-Affirming Strategies for Intake and Initial Sessions with Client
- Interventions to Support Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance
- Interventions to Explore Sensory Systems, Sensory Diets and Self-Care
- Interventions to Support Emotion Regulation and Reduce Overwhelm
- Interventions to Support Relationships and Socio-Emotional Communication
- Tips and Clinical Insights
Program Information
Objectives
- Apply clinical techniques to support autistic clients in managing overwhelm, sensory overload, emotion dysregulation and relationship challenges.
Outline
- Neuro-Affirming Strategies for Intake and Initial Sessions with Client
- Interventions to Support Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance
- Interventions to Explore Sensory Systems, Sensory Diets and Self-Care
- Interventions to Support Emotion Regulation and Reduce Overwhelm
- Interventions to Support Relationships and Socio-Emotional Communication
- Tips and Clinical Insights
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
06/03/2024
Evidence-Based Approaches for Co-Occurring Mental Health Concerns
In this session, neurodivergent therapist, psychologist, and trainer, Dr. Tasha Oswald will teach you crucial insight that care providers need to know to help clients with autism. Topics covered in this training include:
- Research on Anxiety and Depression in Autism
- Research Risks and Limitations
- Modifying CBT Protocols to Treat Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Clients
- CBT-Based Case Examples
- Emerging and Promising Treatment Approaches: IFS and DBT
Program Information
Objectives
- Adapt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies for autistic clients to treat co-occurring anxiety and depression, and explore limitations of CBT research and potential risks.
- Evaluate the use of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) as emerging approaches that are non-pathologizing and neurodiversity-affirming.
Outline
- Research on Anxiety and Depression in Autism
- Research Risks and Limitations
- Modifying CBT Protocols to Treat Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Clients
- CBT-Based Case Examples
- Emerging and Promising Treatment Approaches: IFS and DBT
Target Audience
- Addiction Counselors
- Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Nurses
- Occupational Therapists
- Physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Social Workers
- Teachers/School-Based Personnel
- Other Mental Health Professionals
Copyright :
06/20/2024
Live Q&A with Tasha Oswald - Certified Autism Specialist: Beginner-to-Advanced Training on Neuro-Affirming Care
Copyright :
09/03/2025
Live Q&A with Tasha Oswald - Certified Autism Specialist: Beginner-to-Advanced Training on Neuro-Affirming Care
Copyright :
10/01/2025
Live Q&A with Tasha Oswald - Certified Autism Specialist: Beginner-to-Advanced Training on Neuro-Affirming Care
Copyright :
10/29/2025