Autistic Affirming Therapy Practices For Adults

Description: Adults diagnosed with autism who seek out therapy services often perplex well-meaning mental health professionals who may not feel competent nor confident in this area of treatment. Many training programs do not equip counselors with knowledge, skills or awareness on autistic affirming therapies and evidence-based practices in supporting autistic clients. Clients with autism diagnoses commonly experience co-occurring conditions and present to therapy with myriad concerns. In this presentation, we will focus on three goals when it comes to autistic affirming therapy. We will 1) learn from the lived-experience to enhance the therapeutic relationship building, 2) dive into current trends in assessment & treatment and 3) review strength-based interventions. Overall, we aim to help mental health professionals enhance their competence and confidence to effectively support autistic adult clients.

CE Broker Tracking #: 20-1103400

This event is sponsored by FMHCA, an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider. FMHCA NBCC Provider# 2058. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  FMHCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling, LMHC, LMFT, LCSW – FMHCA CE Broker #: 50-748

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify evidence-based and lived-experience best practices for approaching and building quality therapeutic relationships with autistic clients. 
2. Understand and identify the unique assessment and treatment needs of adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
3. Identify evidence-based and best practice treatment strategies for supporting the strengths of autistic clients. 

About the Presenters:

Bryan Coviello received his master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lynn University in 2020. He is a STARR (Stress & Trauma, Release and Rewiring) Pro Therapist at Regional Psychiatry.  Bryan completed his graduate school internship at New Directions for Young Adults prior to joining the team, leading to his role as Assistant Clinical Director. He gained a vast amount of experience working with young adults on the autism spectrum throughout his work with New Directions.  He has past experience working in crisis stabilization at South County Mental Health Center as well as working with youth in a residential academic setting. Bryan uses a multifaceted and interdisciplinary approach when counseling, which encompasses the holistic, humanistic, and behavioral approaches. He has experience working with young adults with various mental health disorders and dual diagnoses. 

Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS is the Program Director & an Associate Professor in the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. She received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University. Prior to teaching at Lynn, Cunningham held a position as Visiting Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University and as Assistant Director for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) for eight years. She also provides individual counseling for adolescents and adults at the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety & Mood Disorder.