Therapy Cafe (Video Version) - The Whole-Child Approach to Treating Autism

Dr. Suzanne Goh, a pediatric neurologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and neuroscience researcher discusses the whole-child approach to treating autism. Dr. Goh explains the historical context, current diagnostic and therapeutic landscapes of autism, and how her holistic model combines optimal medical treatment with the most effective strategies for advancing cognition, communication, and behavior. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals and the role of family support in enhancing autism care, demystifying complex treatment processes, and focusing on strengths-based interventions.

1 hour CE. Recorded video format (non-interactive)

This course is the video version of this Therapy Cafe podcast episode. If you would like to listen to the audio version, search for the audio version of this title in the course catalog. 

ESTIMATED COURSE LENGTH: 1 hour 

CE CREDITS:1 hour continuing education/contact hours for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and marriage and family therapists

TARGET AUDIENCE: Mental Health Practitioners

LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION: Introductory 

PREREQUISITE(S): None

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD: Recorded video format (non-interactive)

ACCESSIBILITY ACCOMMODATIONS: Closed captioning. To request further accessibility accommodations, please email support@psychhub.com.

COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS: To obtain your CE certificate, learners must watch the full course, complete a participant evaluation, and obtain a score of 80% or higher on a post-test. Learners are expected to complete the quiz within 3 attempts. If unable to do so, the learner will need to re-review the course segments.

FINANCIAL/COMMERCIAL SUPPORT STATEMENT: This course has no commercial support.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:  This course has no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support. Psych Hub's conflict of interest statement is found in the footer of the training center.

GRIEVANCE AND REFUND POLICIES: Grievance and refund policies are found in the footer of the training center.

PARTICIPATION COSTS:  The cost to participate in this CE activity is included in the subscription registration fee.

COURSE CREATION DATE: 9/19/2024

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Define autism and list its diagnostic characteristics and commonly co-occurring features

1. Identify how a whole-child approach to care helps to support autistic* children and their families more effectively

2. Utilize a strengths-based framework to better support autistic children and their families. 

*This course will use both identity-first and person-first language. Click here to learn more about respectful language: 

https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/science-health-public-trust/perspectives/writing-respectfully-person-first-identity-first-language 

• Introduction to Autism
  • Define autism
  • Characteristics and co-occurring features
  • Overview of common characteristics (e.g., communication challenges, repetitive behaviors).
  • Overview of co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, anxiety, sensory processing issues).
• Understanding a Whole-Child Approach to Autism Care
  • Explaining the whole-child approach to care
  • Identifying types of available care for children with autism (behavioral, medical, educational)
  • Key benefits of the whole-child approach for autistic children and their families
  • Evidence-based principles that support the whole-child framework
• Using a Strengths-Based Framework
  • Importance of focusing on a child's strengths
  • Identifying and assessing strengths in autistic children
  • Methods for therapists and families to recognize and support strengths
• Therapeutic Techniques for Clinicians
  • Initial steps for therapists working with autistic children
  • Effective communication with families about care and strengths
  • Psychoeducation about medications and interventions
  • How to measure success and provide ongoing support
• Supporting Families and Caregivers
  • Demystifying the treatment process for families and caregivers
  • Strategies for fostering family bonds and well-being
  • Examples of successful family interventions
• Advancing Your Skills and Knowledge
  • Explore current research and future directions in whole-child care
  • Ongoing education and training for therapists
  • Recognize limitations and areas for further research