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The connection between autism and trauma has often been ignored — but it shouldn't be.

Misunderstanding, stigma, and lack of support leave many autistic individuals vulnerable to trauma.

And for trauma clinicians who aren't looking for neurodiversity, it's easy to miss — or worse, to pathologize it.

Effectively navigating this overlap takes the right skills and a real understanding of both.

Luckily, this training course equips you with precisely the tools and techniques needed to sensitively tailor therapy to each unique client. Our seasoned trainers, spanning mental health therapists to speech-language pathologists, PhDs, and more, bring a wealth of knowledge, real world experience and some even share their own lived journey. You'll walk away knowing exactly how to…

  • Recognize signs of PTSD and complex trauma in clients with autism for comprehensive care
  • Process trauma with EMDR, ACT, and cognitive techniques
  • Apply sensorimotor and polyvagal trauma-focused exercises from a trainer with autism
  • Work with dissociation and individuals with high-functioning autism and trauma

PLUS, you get immediate access to a free bonus CE training, a $129.99 value, FREE!

The comprehensive training on treating trauma and providing affirming autism care is finally here — take this opportunity NOW to provide your clients with a better life!

Autism & Trauma Training for Neurodiversity-Affirming Care Across the Lifespan

Comprehensive Tools for EMDR, ACT Mindfulness and More

$1,079.94 Value — Just $299.99 — Incredible Savings!
OWN IT NOW
Earn up to 23.25 CE Hours, available for qualifying professionals, included in the course tuition.
Click here for Credit details | Click here for course objectives and outline
Testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation, very effective in getting the point across."
— Barbara M., School Nurse
"I appreciated Dr. Lawson's sharing of his experiences and tying it in to how I can related to those with ASD. He did an excellent job helping me understand."
— Dorene D., Psychologist
"Great and very useful information!"
— Michelle F., Occupational Therapist

Autism & Trauma Training Outline

Begin by enhancing your ability to conduct affirming and accurate assessments with your clients, particularly when it comes to the working with Autism and trauma together. Then progress into learning ACT, EMDR, TF-CBT, and Somatic strategies to alleviate trauma, support neurodivergence, and help your clients work toward their unique goals.

Autism Assessment in Adults: Differentiating Co-Occurring Issues


Begin this training with autistic psychologist, speaker, and author, Dr. Wenn Lawson, who will teach you how to assess for autism and separate it from other co-occurring mental health issues in adults.

Learn:

  • Autism Assessment in Adults
  • Teasing out autism from co-occurring mental health diagnosis
  • Integrating a neurodiversity-affirming lens with DSM-5™ diagnostic criteria
  • How autism presents differently in different gender identities
  • The interplay between "poor" mental health and autism
  • Reasons for a referral

Autism and Childhood Trauma: ACT, CBT and EMDR Techniques


This part of the course will delve into the science behind resilience in developing brains, providing practical techniques to enhance communication, address sensory and physical obstacles, and boost cognitive functions. Additionally, you will receive advice on how to effectively work with young clients who may be resistant to therapy.

Neuroscience and Resilience

  • Signs of trauma in neurodivergent children
  • Trauma-related behaviors vs disability-related behaviors
  • Impact of neurodivergence on trauma processing
    • Communication impairments
    • Sensory processing disorder
    • Physical disabilities
    • Medical needs
    • ASD-related behaviors
  • Brain change through EMDR, ACT, CBT, and Somatic therapies
  • Limitations of research and potential risks

Navigate Communication Challenges

  • Apps and tech to support 2-way communication
  • Psychoeducation using social stories and video modeling
  • Visual supports for emotion identification
  • 5 art therapy techniques to communicate without words
  • Defusion techniques for non-verbal children
  • Case study: CBT for autistic teen engaging in self-harm

Meet Sensory Needs

  • Create a sensory-friendly space
  • Quick & easy calming sensory strategies
  • Sensory routines for emotional regulation
  • In-session use of proprioceptive and vestibular strategies
  • Interoception: its BIG role in emotions
  • Left-right stimulation strategies
  • Case study: Play therapy to address trauma in children with FAS

Move Beyond Physical Limitations

  • Modifications for play therapy techniques
  • Positioning to support interaction
  • Help kids set value-driven goals despite disability-related challenges
  • Deal with disability-related identity issues
  • Assistive technology in trauma work
  • Case study: EMDR with child with CP and history of abuse

Engage the Hard-to-Engage Child

  • Movement before mindfulness
  • Capitalize on routines and rituals
  • Play-based trust-building strategies
  • Puppets, sand trays, and dollhouses
  • Case study: ACT with autistic child in foster care

Support Cognitive Processing

  • Strategies to build a sense of self
  • Dramatic play for perspective-taking
  • Resources for emotional identification and processing
  • Visual supports for understanding and acceptance
  • Building psychological flexibility through role-play
  • Case study: CBT and child with Down syndrome

Build the Child's Dream Team

  • Co-regulation strategies for caregivers
  • Support attachment
  • Routines-based intervention for the home
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration for success

EMDR, TF-CBT and Sensorimotor Therapy with Neurodivergent Kids and Teens


In this section, you'll expand your toolbox by learning EMDR, Trauma-Focused cognitive, and sensorimotor techniques to help process trauma. Teaching from his personal experience with neurodivergence, this training with Sean Inderbitzen is full of insights to help overcome therapy-interfering behaviors, use a non-pathologizing polyvagal lens, guidance on creating visual aids for therapy, and keys to simplifying your language to meet clients where they're at.

Autism and Trauma: Overlap and Treatment Implications

  • What is the window of tolerance and its relevance to Polyvagal theory?
  • Rethinking autism: A Polyvagal Model of autism
  • Implications of trauma on executive dysfunction and memory
  • A case study of an autistic child with PTSD and dissociative amnesia

The Diagnostic Intersection of Autism, OCD and PTSD

  • Diagnostic criteria for ASD
  • Diagnostic overshadowing in ASD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and PTSD
  • Applying Polyvagal theory to the intersection of a state-specific model of autism
  • Implications to diagnosis and treatment of autism and PTSD

EMDR for Kids with ASD and PTSD:
Adapting Social Stories and Tapping for Enhanced Treatment

  • EMDR protocol walkthrough
  • Visual aids for improved psychoeducation on trauma symptoms
  • Adapting social stories to the treatment of trauma in children with ASD
  • Using tapping for simple stress reduction
  • Case study
  • Research and limitations

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy:
Treat the Symptoms of Unresolved Trauma in the Body

  • Mindful awareness of the body — helping kids with autism identify triggers
  • Modified mindfulness exercises to activate calm in children with ASD and PTSD
  • Simplified language to teach deep breathing and relaxation techniques
  • Case study
  • Research and limitations

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
Adaptations to Address Developmental Level and Increase Comprehension

  • Modifications for using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy
    • Strategies to increase generalization
    • Tips for overcoming concrete thinking
    • Integrating visual learning to illustrate points
  • Deepening TF-CBT practices with motivational interviewing
  • Research and limitations
  • Applying EMDR, TF-CBT, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to a state-specific model of ASD

High-Functioning Autism and Trauma: Gentle EMDR Processing Techniques


In this workshop, renowned expert Dr. Sandra Paulsen shares an insider's perspective, clinical experience, and research findings that will help you develop trauma processing skills from EMDR and other modalities. From a neurodivergent viewpoint, you will discover key considerations and learn strategies that enhance your therapy.

Neurodiverse & Neurobeautiful

  • A different nervous system
  • Seeing gifts instead of pathology
  • Discover your client's superpowers
  • Recognize high-functioning vs savant
  • Utilize screens, assessments, and scales

Autism and the Brain

  • Seemingly contradictory qualities of "high functioning"
  • Foundation of Pankseppian Affective Processing Theory
  • Dendritic branching and associative linkages
  • Developmental considerations and differences
  • Impact of a lateralized-brain
  • Amygdala and the "deep brain"
  • Additional challenges related to trauma processing

The Phenomenology of High-Functioning Autism

  • It all begins with Spoon Theory
  • When the pot boils over… meltdowns, overload & shutdown
  • The constant challenge of self-regulation
  • Sensory protectiveness & stimming for self-regulation
  • Understand "mono tropism" & the problem of interruption
  • Silence in the DSM: Somatic Features
  • Masking and Adaptive Morphing

The Eight Phases of EMDR & Other Trauma Processing

  • The Common Trauma Loop
  • Overcome the "chicken vs the egg"
  • Core narratives from social rejection
  • Steps to connect and build rapport sensitively
  • Considerations & adaptations for the EMDR phase
  • Overcome common challenges to using EMDR with HFA
  • How to incorporate storytelling
  • Diverse assessments and scales
  • What to do when dissociation is present
  • Being patient — allowing for silence with delayed processing
  • Considerations for working with children
  • Use body scans effectively and appropriately
  • Closure and follow-up, how it's different

Motivational Interviewing Tools and Techniques for Adults with High-Functioning Autism


Join Sean Inderbitzen, a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, for a workshop with incredible insights on how MI can be used most effectively from the perspective of both a clinician and a person with autism. Gain tools to increase intrinsic motivation, improve emotion identification, and reduce resistance to change.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) and ASD: What the Research Says

  • Matching developmental freedom and personal autonomy: Activity
  • Recommendations for balancing safety and autonomy
  • Person-centered strategies and their impact on patients with ASD
  • Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT) and MI

MI Techniques for Improving Pragmatic Language

  • Exercise on social pragmatics and depression (Thomas Gordon's process)
  • Case study: Social pragmatics and meaning-making
  • Social pragmatics and its effect on self-esteem and motivation
  • Help clients navigate ambiguity
  • Decreasing "black" and "white" thinking patterns
  • Increasing clients' ability to identify reasons for change and build motivation
  • Responding to change talk in HFA
  • Hacks for social pragmatics

MI Strategies for Treating Anxiety and Depression

  • Recognize "black" and "white" thinking patterns
  • Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections and Summaries (OARS)
  • Cultivate change talk for motivation: Case example
  • OARS real play activity
  • Flipping the righting reflex demonstration
  • Evoking confidence for change in HFA: Exercise
  • Menu of Options — using closed-ended questions
  • MI risk and limitations in the ASD population

Autism & Trauma Training for Neurodiversity-Affirming Care Across the Lifespan


$1,079.94 Value — Just $299.99 — Incredible Savings!
OWN IT NOW
Earn up to 23.25 CE Hours, available for qualifying professionals, included in the course tuition.
Click here for Credit details | Click here for course objectives and outline
BONUS! $129.99 Value, FREE!
Autism Intervention Using a Trauma-Informed Lens
Autism Intervention Using a Trauma-Informed Lens
Laura K. Sibbald, MA, CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CYMHS

Explore ways to create a strong alliance with your client built on safety, trust, openness, and vulnerability. Learn concrete ways to help clients improve their self-awareness and problem-solving skills to lay a foundation for trauma processing.
Trauma-Informed Practice: Brief Overview

  • Trauma Response/Window of Tolerance
  • Emotional regulation and school impact
  • Academic and cognitive impact

Background on the Critical Challenge Areas of Autism

  • Trauma impacts and autism growth areas: similarities
  • Child development and learning joint attention
  • Breaking down executive function

Creating a Foundation of Safety and Trust

  • Setting up for success: expectations
  • Motivation: Avoiding the trap of a relationship based on reinforcement

  • Making Demands vs Using Declarative Language
  • The power of being vulnerable: Making mistakes in a safe space

Problem Solving and Resilience Strategies

  • Opportunities for new learning: Small steps
  • Effective implementation of visuals:
    • Emotional Vocabulary (Color Palette)
    • Emotional Thermometer
    • Self-Monitoring Scales
    • Cause and Effect Relationships: Problem Solving Pathways (SOCC Table)
  • Collaborative communication with families

Meet Your Experts

Wenn Lawson
Dr. Wenn is an autistic researcher (PDAer), and has 3 autistic offspring and 3 autistic granddaughters. Wenn is also a lecturer, psychologist, advocate, and poet, sharing his experiences for almost 3 decades. Wenn is published internationally, is an Associate Researcher with Curtin University (WA), and Macquarie University, NSW; Tutor Practitioner with Birmingham University (UK), a Board member for Autism in Adulthood, and the Australian Research Council, Ambassador for I CAN (Autistic Youth Advocacy), and has a YouTube channel and home page. In 2008, he won 4th place as Victorian Australian of the Year, in 2017 he presented to the United Nations on matters of Autism and aging & in 2021 he won the Lesley Hall, disability leadership lifetime achievement award. Wenn is passionate about all things LGBTQIA+ and autism. www.wennlawson.com.

Click here for information about Wenn Lawson

Sean Inderbitzen, DSW, LCSW, MINT, has lived 32 years with autism spectrum disorder and is an active clinical social worker within a community health center specializing in the treatment of Autism and co-occurring trauma. He graduated from Tulane School of Social Work in the spring of 2023 and was awarded $40,000 by the Mayo Clinic to investigate the impacts of increased pediatrician confidence on access to patients suspected of autism spectrum disorder in rural medical settings. Additionally, Dr. Inderbitzen's research team (Katie Diebold, LMSW, and colleagues) is studying the effectiveness of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy on children with PTSD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in consultation with Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute, and under the guidance of Dr. Bonnie Goldstein. In addition to research, he maintains an active practice in a community mental health center working with persons on the Autism Spectrum. Dr. Inderbitzen is mentored by such innovators as Dr. Stephen Porges and consults with organizations on autism spectrum disorder and Motivational Interviewing. He is an active member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and his writings can be found regularly featured on differnetbrains.org and has a forthcoming book from W.W. Norton, called Autism in Polyvagal Terms.

Click here for information about Sean Inderbitzen
Sean Inderbitzen

Aditi Mehra
Dr. Aditi Mehra is a pediatric occupational therapist with a Doctorate in health sciences who is leaving an indelible impact across diverse therapeutic settings. Dr. Mehra serves as an adjunct professor at Lewis University and is the director of the esteemed Chicago Fit Learning Lab. Dr. Mehra has over 25 years of experience working with children and teens with ASD, ADHD, learning disorders, and other neurodevelopmental conditions. She is passionate about improving trauma-informed care and cultural competency across therapeutic settings. In addition to her work as an occupational therapist, Dr. Mehra holds a certification in behavior analysis and has obtained certificates in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused ACT. She provides continuing education presentations for various allied health groups in her community and across the nation.

Click here for information about Aditi Mehra

Laura K. Sibbald, MA, CCC-SLP, ASDCS, CYMHS, is a nationally certified speech-language pathologist who has extensive experience supporting the social-emotional and pragmatic language needs of students and families within the Washington, DC, metropolitan region. She works as an instructional specialist for students with autism in Prince George's County Public Schools, Maryland, and has developed and implemented a variety of professional learning opportunities surrounding social-emotional competence at the state and national level. Laura is a coauthor of the Trauma-Informed Social-Emotional Toolbox for Children & Adolescents: 116 Worksheets & Skill-Building Exercises to Support Safety, Connection & Empowerment (PESI, 2020) and the Parenting Toolbox: 125 Activities Therapies Use to Reduce Meltdowns, Increase Positive Behaviors & Manage Emotions (PESI, 2018). She is a member of the multicultural affairs committee of the Maryland Speech-Language and Hearing Association, focusing on the promotion of equity practices in diverse communicators. To further support the growth and achievement of children with disabilities, Laura earned additional certifications as a Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) Certified Educator and in Educational Leadership and supervision.

Click here for information about Laura Sibbald
Laura K. Sibbald

Sandra Paulsen
Sandra Paulsen, PhD, is an international instructor, author, and illustrator of principles and procedures for using EMDR with complex trauma including structural and somatic dissociation and trauma held in implicit memory. She has published widely on the combination of EMDR with ego state therapy, somatic methods, and early developmental repair strategies. Her books include coediting The Neurobiology and Treatment of Traumatic Dissociation: Toward an Embodied Self, with Ulrich Lanius and Frank Corrigan. She wrote and illustrated Looking Through the Eyes of Trauma: An Illustrated Guide for EMDR Therapists and Clients, as well as When There Are No Words: EMDR for Very Early Trauma in Implicit Memory. She co-authored and illustrated a children's book that is also very useful for dissociative adults called All the Colors of Me: My First Book on Dissociation, with Ana Gomez. Sandra is a Fellow of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation. She developed the first protocol for the use of EMDR with highly dissociative individuals, publishing cautions about EMDR with dissociation, and first urging the screening of every client for dissociation before administering EMDR. She has trained hundreds of mental health professionals in these special procedures since 1993.

Click here for information about Sandra Paulsen
Frequently Asked Questions

Trauma treatment is often missed or overlooked in clients, especially young clients, on the spectrum. Therapists like you have the power to change this though. By enhancing and refining your skill set in assessing, understanding, and treating trauma as you help autistic clients work toward achieving their goals — you become part of the solution for so many clients paralyzed by their past. This training is the key to unlocking the hidden potential of so many of your clients!

Research continues to emerge in this treatment area. In the past, stigmatizing myths often dominated the conversation about autism, but now we know so much more. As clinicians much of our job is psychoeducation and then practical skills. This course will help you get real answers to questions clients ask like…
  • Can trauma cause autism?
  • What are the "symptoms" of trauma and autism?
  • Are development trauma and autism-related?
  • What does it mean to have experienced complex trauma and autism?
Few trainings have really sought to specifically target helping clinicians gain the skills to answer these questions not just theoretically, but with concrete strategies. In this course, you get all that. You'll more deeply understand the overlap between autism and trauma and walk away with techniques that support your clients' success.

Immediately when you register for this neurodiversity and trauma training course you'll have unlimited access to all course materials, including video trainings, printable slides, handouts, and more!

Autism & Trauma Training

EMDR, ACT, Mindfulness & More Tools for Comprehensive Treatment
$1,079.94 Value — Just $299.99 — Huge Savings!
GET STARTED NOW
Earn up to 23.25 CE Hours, available for qualifying professionals, included in the course tuition.
Click here for Credit details | Click here for course objectives and outline
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Register for this intensive training course without risk. If you're not completely satisfied, give us a call at 800-844-8260.

We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.
NOTE: No additional discounts or coupons may be applied to this course.
CRS001992 • © Psychotherapy Networker & PESI Inc. • All rights reserved • Email: courses@pesi.com • Phone: 800-844-8260
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