The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

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4345 Asperger's 101 for Social Workers and Other Mental Health Providers


Saturday, July 25, 2009: 1:30 PM-2:45 PM
Broadway Ballroom A (Pheasant Run Resort and Conference Center)
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Social workers and other mental health service providers are on the “front lines” of community mental health. There, in community mental health facilities, pregnancy crisis centers, vocational rehabilitation centers, food stamp offices and clinic environments, people with Asperger’s and similar autism differences float “under the radar,” misunderstood and under-supported. In this training program, individuals who serve this population will learn to see Asperger’s in their communities with new eyes. In this presentation, community mental health/social service providers will learn the basics of recognizing, understanding and supporting individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and similar social/cognitive challenges. They will learn through lecture and referrals to highly recognized references for materials and books for a “take home” experience. They will have access to the information from a family systems perspective which may lead to more reasonable expectations for recipients and improved outcomes. Alternative therapeutic models and medication management will be discussed as well.

Learning Objectives:

  • To learn the basics of Asperger's Syndrome
  • To recognize the "red flags" which suggest a referral for further evaluation is needed
  • To understand the possible reasons for misdiagnosis
  • To understand how misdiagnosis and associated, unintentional maltreatment negatively impacts individuals with ASDs

Content Area: Family and Sibling Support

Presenter:

Dena Gassner, Ph.D., student
Director Center for Understanding
Dena Gassner

Dena is the Director of the Center for Understanding, providing training and information worldwide. Boards for the Arc US, GRASP and the Autism Society benefit from her unique expertise. Wife, mother and non-traditional Ph.D. student at Adelphi University, she's living an authentic life including--not separate from--her own autistic identity.