Mental Health and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Intervention Approaches

Presented by Lindy Weaver

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This course will provide an overview of assessments and intervention strategies that may be useful in promoting positive mental health among persons with ASD. It will connect concepts from the course Mental Health and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Basic Concepts and Diagnoses in order to present ways to target both the mental health needs of specific individuals as well as ways to embed positive mental health approaches within everyday OT practice. The course is suitable for any occupational therapy practitioner who possesses a basic working knowledge of ASD and the content is applicable across all practice settings that involve persons with ASD. It is recommended that learners complete the Basic Concepts and Diagnoses course prior to viewing this course.

Meet your instructor

Lindy Weaver

Lindy L. Weaver, PhD, MOT, OTR\L is an Assistant Clinical Professor at The Ohio State University. She has 9 years of experience as an occupational therapist working in developmental pediatrics and mental health across inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings. She has presented at state, national, and school-based…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Overview of Interventions for Co-Occurring Mental Health Difficulties in ASD

1. Overview of Interventions for Co-Occurring Mental Health Difficulties in ASD

This chapter will introduce learners to pharmacological and psychological intervention approaches to managing symptoms of various mental illnesses. It will cover the roles of other professionals in the care of those with ASD and mental health difficulties. This chapter is important for outlining interventions that are commonly implemented and allows learners to understand the multidisciplinary aspects of caring for an individual with a dual-diagnosis.

The Role of OT in Supporting Postive Mental Health and Mental Health Management

2. The Role of OT in Supporting Postive Mental Health and Mental Health Management

This chapter will outline the role and general practices of an occupational therapy practitioner in treating individuals with ASD and will specifically expand on ways OT can leverage their current practices, training, and perspectives to support individuals with ASD so that they can maximize their mental health and well-being.

Occupational Therapy Intervention Approaches

3. Occupational Therapy Intervention Approaches

This chapter will identify, describe, and explore both specific and universal approaches within the scope of occupational therapy practice that support the mental health and well-being of individuals with ASD. It will cover theoretical and clinical concepts in integrating these practices into an occupational therapy practitioner daily practice. It will be important for affirming OT practices that support mental health and well-being, but will also encourage practitioners to reflect on their current practices and challenge them to devise ways to integrate/implement approaches that focus on supporting the psychosocial health of those they work with.