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UNC School of Medicine
Services Across the Lifespan for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum

TEACCH/AHEC Workshop Catalog

The incidence of autism has been steadily increasing over the last 20 years, especially for the group of individuals who are conversational and have at least average intelligence. Many of these individuals present with significant anxiety issues which affect their functioning across a variety of settings. Due to the rising incidence, there is an increased need for professionals trained to address the emotional and social needs of this population.

This workshop will focus on recognizing learning characteristics of autistic individuals and how they impact anxiety and emotional regulation. Treatment considerations will also be discussed, including the Structured TEACCHing approach to decrease stress by improving abilities in the domains of social, communication and behavior. Cognitive behavioral strategies for addressing emotional regulation and developing coping strategies will also be highlighted. The presenters will cover treatment interventions for school aged children, adolescents and adults.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to: 

  • Describe the learning style of autistic individuals.
  • Explain the differential diagnostic characteristics of autism vs. anxiety disorder.
  • Explain how the interaction between the learning style of autism and avoidance behaviors affects the functioning and treatment of co-existing anxiety.
  • Discuss Structured TEACCHing strategies which help reduce anxiety by structuring the environment and providing predictability through environmental supports and flexible routines to help meet the social, learning and communication needs for autistic individuals.
  • Identify treatment strategies to assess and develop emotional regulation in autistic individuals with anxiety.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • 5.0 – 6.0 contact hours
  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

In this workshop, we will review the diagnostic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We will also discuss the learning styles, strengths, and areas of support for autistic individuals. We will also highlight core Structured TEACCHing strategies and supports to increase engagement in therapy and encourage skill generalization outside of the therapeutic setting

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to: 

  • Recognize the diagnostic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Review learning styles of autistic individuals and core Structured TEACCHing strategies and supports that can help to improve therapy engagement and encourage skill generalization across settings.
  • Discover resources that are available in North Carolina for autistic individuals and their families.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based Personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested Mental Health Professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • 5.0 – 6.0 contact hours
  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

In this presentation, we will review the diagnostic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and how they present across the lifespan. We will also introduce the learning differences common in autistic individuals and implications for psychotherapy. We will then cover the use of visual support and behavior problem-solving strategies for use with young children with autism and their parents. Finally, we will present specific strategies for modifying psychotherapy for autistic clients from childhood through adulthood.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to: 

  • Describe how the diagnostic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present across the lifespan.
  • Describe common learning characteristics of autistic individuals and implications for modifying psychotherapy.
  • Describe how to tailor psychotherapy strategies for autistic clients from early childhood through adulthood.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based Personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested Mental Health Professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • 5.0 – 6.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the behavior problem-solving process utilized by the UNC TEACCH Autism Program. The TEACCH Behavior Problem-Solving Process is grounded in the overall TEACCH intervention philosophy of family collaboration, whole person view, learning styles and differences, and Structured TEACCHing. This five-step process will guide participants through connecting underlying issues that may be influencing a behavior and connecting these hypothesized factors to interventions that support engagement in the expected behavior and decrease the maladaptive behavior. This presentation can be adapted to focus on utilizing the behavior problem-solving process for autistic individuals with and without comorbid IDD.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • View behaviors and maintaining factors through the lens of cognitive differences common in autism.
  • Apply this antecedent-based problem-solving approach to a scenario to identify hypotheses from the lens of autism.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify evidence-based interventions and teaching strategies to increase engagement in expected activities.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based Personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested Mental Health Professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • 5.0 – 6.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

When diagnosing autism and treating autistic patients, there are a number of factors that can make a case more complex. This training will cover common differential diagnoses and diagnostic considerations when evaluating for autism, diagnoses that commonly co-occur with autism, considerations for treatment, strategies for modifying therapeutic interventions, and a framework for conceptualizing complex behavioral and mental health challenges through the perspective of autistic learning differences.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to: 

  • Identify factors that make autism more complex with regard to diagnosis and treatment.
  • List strategies for determining differential diagnosis in complex cases.
  • Apply a framework to conceptualize complex behavioral and mental health challenges through the perspective of autistic learning differences.
  • Learn strategies for adapting common therapeutic approaches to better meet the needs of autistic patients.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based Personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested Mental Health Professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Skills Training™ (DBT-ST) is an evidence-based intervention designed to support people to live in the moment, cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. Many autistic adults experience co-occurring mental health conditions, including difficulties with emotional awareness and modulation of emotional expression, which may exacerbate problems in everyday life. This presentation will provide an overview of DBT-ST and recommendations for neuro-affirming modifications to better support autistic adults without co-occurring intellectual disability.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the mental health needs of autistic adults.
  • Provide an overview of DBT Skills Training.
  • Discuss the benefits of using DBT Skills Training with autistic adults by including neuro-affirming modifications.
  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, and adults
  • Individuals working with the IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

2.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

This workshop will discuss differential diagnosis and comorbidity in autistic individuals. As the range of individuals diagnosed with autism has expanded, so has the complexity of differentiating autism from other developmental and mental health disorders that also have impairments in communication and social skills and other behavior. In addition, studies have indicated that 70% of autistic individuals also have co-occurring developmental or mental health difficulties. This presentation will highlight the overlap as well as the distinct features of autism versus other diagnoses and share current research on which are the most frequent co-occurring developmental and mental health diagnoses.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the similarities and differences between the diagnostic features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental and mental health disorders.
  • List the most frequent mental health diagnoses that co-occur with autism.
  • Describe the reason it is important to be aware of both the primary diagnosis and any secondary diagnoses.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

This workshop is designed for professionals who are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of autistic individuals and their families. The session will focus on a discussion of ethical issues in the diagnosis and treatment of autistic individuals. As professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with autism with or without intellectual disabilities, we strive to respect the individual and their families’ rights including the right to confidentiality, informed consent, self-determination, and autonomy in decision making.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Recognize potential ethical concerns in clinical work with autistic children and adults and their families​
  • Identify aspects of the learning profile of autistic individuals that influence strategies for respecting the rights of both the individuals with autism and their families​
  • Apply ethical principles and decision-making to illustrate ethical challenges through case vignettes​

This course is designed for professionals involved in diagnosing and treating autistic individuals and their families, including:

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Psychiatrists
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 2.0 – 3.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Virtual

Transferring evidence-based practices into the home provides participants with an overview of the learning styles of autistic individuals. In addition, this training focuses on the implementation of Structured TEACCHing components in order to meet the learning and behavioral needs of an individuals with autism in the home. Participants will be given an overview of antecedent-based approaches to promote engagement and to capitalize on an individual’s strengths and interests. This training will also provide a discussion around the importance of collaboration with families of autistic children.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Review the unique learning styles of autistic individuals.
  • Discuss how to use Structured TEACCHing to meet the learning and behavioral needs of children with autism at home.
  • Demonstrate the importance of collaborating with families of autistic children.

  • Social Workers
  • Human Service Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Therapists
  • Clinicians
  • Counselors
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Educators
  • Parents

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Virtual

Dealing with grief, loss, and death can be confusing and challenging for anyone. In addition, it is a struggle in our society to discuss death and dying. While autistic individuals are just as likely to experience these situations, their feelings, thoughts, and perceptions about these experiences may differ from neurotypical individuals. Autistic individuals will most likely need extra support to understand and to successfully cope with their transition through periods of grief, loss, and death. This presentation will focus on issues related to dealing with grief, loss, and death for autistic individuals and their families, and strategies for supporting them. Specifically discussed will be activities that professionals and support staff can use to help these individuals and their families understand death and dying, and more effectively cope with these experiences.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify concerns and issues related to dealing with grief, loss, and death for autistic individuals.
  • Reframe their understanding of grief, loss, and death through the lens of autism.
  • Describe strategies and activities for supporting autistic individuals to effectively cope with grief, loss, and death.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

Professionals are often challenged by how to engage a young child with limited social communication skills. This program will review typical social communication development versus that in a child with autism. Goal development and treatment strategies will be discussed. Videos and case studies will be used throughout the workshop.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss typical social communication development with that of a child with autism.
  • Review the forms and functions of social communication.
  • Apply evidence-based strategies in treatment sessions.

  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, birth to age 5
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • CBRS Providers
  • Occupational Therapists

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

This presentation provides an overview of factors that may impact autistic and other neurodiverse indivdiuals as they navigate higher education including mental health comorbities and learning style differences. Through an autism-informed lens, the presentation will explore unique characteristics of mental health risk factors as they apply to the autistic population (e.g., autistic burnout). A broad framework for incorporating an array of evidence based practices and therapuetic modalities, techniques, and interventions will be provided.

At the completion of training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe changing prevalence rates of autism.
  • Identify unique learning styles associated with the autism spectrum.
  • Understand mental health co-morbidity as it relates to autism.
  • Explain the uniquely identified suicidality risk factors associated with autism.
  • Recognize implications for psychotherapeutic strategies to support autistic clients.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Individuals working with neurodiverse students in post-secondary education (e.g., career services, campus recreation and wellness, accessibility services)
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social Workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with college aged, young adults
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

Given the increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the likelihood of co-occurring mental health concerns among autistic adults, there are simply not enough autism specialists to meet the needs of this growing population. This workshop aims to build capacity among generalists, supporting them to 1) recognize the characteristic strengths and challenges of their autistic clients; 2) modify evidence-based therapy approaches to better suit an autistic individual’s unique learning style; 3) understand this group’s particular vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and behavior; and 4) know when to ask for consultation and/or refer to another professional.

At the completion of training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe some common cognitive characteristics among adults with autism and how they may be viewed as strengths or as challenges, depending on how they are applied.
  • Discuss how to tailor evidence-based psychotherapy approaches to the specific learning style of an autistic client.
  • Identify possible risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in autistic people.
  • Experience greater confidence in their ability to support autistic clients, while recognizing the limits of their competence.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

This session will review current research and best practices related to supporting individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities in understanding and expressing their sexuality, developing relationships, and engaging in healthy, safe social and physical interactions. Existing literature highlights that individuals with co-occurring autism and intellectual disabilities often have limited access to education and discussion around sexuality, relationships, and consent, which can contribute to social isolation, anxiety, and vulnerability.

The session will address strategies to support individuals in recognizing and appropriately expressing needs for social contact and caring, physical pleasure, emotional support, and tension release. Emphasis will be placed on helping mental health professionals and support providers facilitate education and skill-building in these areas using accessible, concrete teaching methods. The presentation will also review emerging findings on gender identity and sexuality diversity within this population, encouraging professionals to adopt affirming and individualized approaches that respect each person’s preferences, autonomy, and communication style.

At the completion of training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the primary types of needs: social contact and caring, physical pleasure, emotional support, and tension release that may be expressed through intimate or social relationships.
  • Describe at least three challenges that individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities commonly experience in understanding and appropriately expressing sexuality and relationship needs.
  • Explain evidence-based and structured teaching strategies to support autistic adults with intellectual disabilities in learning about sexuality, consent, and relationship skills.
  • Discuss effective approaches for mental health professionals to provide accessible, affirming, and developmentally appropriate interventions that promote healthy relationship development and reduce risk or vulnerability.
  • Summarize current literature on gender diversity and sexual orientation among individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, including implications for inclusive and affirming clinical practice.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with adolescents or adults
  • Individuals working with IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

This session will examine the current state of knowledge regarding sexuality, dating, and relationships among individuals with autism spectrum disorder without co-occurring intellectual disability. Research increasingly demonstrates that autistic adults experience the same range of desires for social connection, affection, intimacy, and sexual expression as their neurotypical peers, yet often face unique barriers in navigating these experiences. Challenges related to social communication, interpreting social cues, and understanding implicit norms may influence their experiences with dating and relationships, as well as emotional well-being.

The session will explore strategies for mental health professionals to support autistic individuals in meeting their needs for social contact, caring, physical pleasure, emotional support, and tension release in safe, affirming, and developmentally appropriate ways. Discussion will also include current literature on the high rates of gender diversity and sexual orientation fluidity among autistic individuals, with a focus on promoting self-understanding and acceptance. Guidance will be provided on how clinicians can facilitate healthy exploration, enhance communication, and consent skills, and reduce shame or anxiety associated with sexuality through neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed practice.

At the completion of training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the primary human needs met through intimate and romantic relationships, including social connection, caring and affection, physical pleasure, emotional support, and tension release.
  • List at least three barriers that autistic adults without intellectual disability may encounter when initiating or maintaining romantic and sexual relationships, as identified in current research.
  • Describe evidence-based strategies to support autistic adults in building self-awareness, communication, and consent skills related to sexuality and romantic relationships.
  • Explain current findings on the higher prevalence of gender diversity and sexual orientation fluidity among autistic individuals and apply affirming practices that promote self-understanding and identity development.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with adolescents or adults
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

Autism affects 1 out of every 31 children in the state of North Carolina. Referrals to specialty clinics often involve travel and long waitlists for families. This presentation focuses on supporting primare care providers to improve their knowledge and confidence in providing screening, assessment, and management of autism spectrum disorder within the primary care setting. Participants will gain increased knowledge and confidence in their ability to effectively screen for autism spectrum disorder and provide appropriate referrals and follow up for families. This presentation will also provide an overview of practical, evidence-based strategies that be can utilized in primary care settings to help best meet the learning style needs of autistic individuals by reducing anxiety and helping patients better understand what to expect during their visit.

At the completion of training, participants will be able to:

  • Review practical screening tools that can be implemented in primary care settings and referral next steps for children who receive a positive screen.
  • Discuss differential diagnoses commonly seen in autistic patients.
  • Identify non-pharmacologic intervention strategies that can be used in primary care settings to reduce anxiety in medical settings by helping patients know what to expect.

  • Medical Providers
  • Pediatricians
  • Family Medicine Physicians
  • Physician Assistants
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Primary Care Nurses

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Virtual

Suicide is a leading cause of premature death in autistic people. Autistic individuals are significantly more likely to think about and attempt suicide than the general population. However, most mental health professionals do not feel confident about identifying warning signs of suicide and intervening with autistic clients who are in crisis. The goal of this program is to improve attendees’ knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to supporting autistic individuals who are at risk for suicide.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Describe possible risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors of autistic people.
  • Discuss at least two challenges that clinicians face related to assessing suicide risk in autistic people.
  • Identify at least five key considerations for suicide warning signs when working with autistic clients.
  • Identify crisis supports and resources for this population.

  • Social Workers
  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with adolescents and adults
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • 5.0 – 6.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

Autistic individuals may present with significant social-communication and emotional difficulties despite well-developed cognitive skills. These individuals may also present with a range of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. The complexity of the unique learning characteristics of autistic individuals presents a challenge to professionals when applying traditional therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavior treatment (CBT). Despite these challenges, there is a growing body of evidence to support the use of CBT for autistic individuals, particularly when individual learning differences are considered, and strategies are tailored accordingly.

In this workshop, participants will gain a better understanding of the specific learning style of autistic individuals, leading to better treatment outcomes. A framework for tailoring CBT interventions for autistic  individuals with average to above average intelligence will be introduced. This workshop will cover the use of CBT for autistic individuals across the lifespan, ranging from school-aged children to adults.

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • Identify common learning characteristics among autistic individuals.
  • Implement CBT with autistic clients.
  • Describe the basic principles of CBT and how to tailor CBT strategies to autistic clients.
  • Identify treatment strategies to address emotion regulation difficulties.
  • Implement tailored exposure-based intervention strategies.

  • Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  • Public Health Professionals
  • Psychologists
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • School-based personnel
  • Care Coordinators
  • Case Managers
  • Allied Health Staff
  • Social workers
  • Therapists and Clinicians working with children, adolescents, or adults
  • Individuals working with the IDD population
  • All interested mental health professionals

  • 1.0 – 2.0 contact hours
  • 3.0 – 4.0 contact hours
  • 5.0 – 6.0 contact hours

  • In-person
  • Hybrid
  • Virtual
  • Webinar

 

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