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Autistic Catatonia: Early Recognition, Assessment, and Intervention for Lifesaving Support
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Autistic catatonia is a severe yet often overlooked condition that affects 12–20% of autistic individuals. Characterized by a striking departure from baseline functioning, autistic catatonia presents in two seemingly opposite ways—immobility (“stuck”) and agitation. These shifts impact posture, movement, speech, mood, and behavior, making early recognition and intervention critical. Without timely and appropriate support, autistic catatonia can become increasingly entrenched, making recovery more difficult.
In this essential training, you’ll gain clinical insights from both firsthand lived experience and professional expertise. Learn to identify the early signs of autistic catatonia, apply validated screening tools, and implement intervention strategies that may seem counterintuitive yet are highly effective. With the right approach, professionals and caregivers can help prevent worsening symptoms and support autistic individuals in regaining stability.
Kimberly J. Clairy, OTR/L, Autism out of the Box LLC
Kim Clairy, OTR/L, is an autistic occupational therapist, international speaker, consultant, author, and self-advocate. Diagnosed with autism, Kim learned to break through personal and societal barriers, including navigating the healthcare system with ASD and an eating disorder. Her experiences forged a passion for educating others on autism with the hope of helping give voice to those unable to articulate their inner worlds. Using personal and professional experiences, Kim educates on many facets of autism across the lifespan including eating disorders, trauma, mental health, ADHD, intimacy, relationships, self-awareness, problem-solving through challenging behaviors, and much more!
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kimberly Clairy has an employment relationship with Autism Out of the Box LLC. She receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from 小蝌蚪视频. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kimberly Clairy is autistic and has friends and colleagues who are autistic. She is on the executive board of Milestones Conference committee. She has a professional relationship with the Ziggurat Group.
Ruth Aspy, PhD
Ruth Aspy, PhD, is a licensed psychologist specializing in transdisciplinary assessment and intervention for individuals on the spectrum. She is co-author of a comprehensive model of intervention, The Ziggurat Model, which earned the Literary Achievement Award from the Autism Society. Dr. Aspy has provided training and consultation throughout the United States and internationally. She serves on the Autism Society of America’s Panel of Professional Advisors. Her focus is on understanding the underlying characteristics of autistic individuals keeping their neurological/brain differences in mind. Dr. Aspy believes that kindness is at the heart of all good support strategies. She has an emphasis on working with females on the spectrum and with those individuals who have symptoms of catatonia.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Ruth Aspy has employment relationships with the Ziggurat Group, the Ohio Center for Autism and Low Incidence, OCALI, and the Spartanburg District 4 School District. She receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Aspy receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from 小蝌蚪视频. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Ruth Aspy is a member of the Autism Society of America Panel of Professional Advisors.