The Fundamentals of Working with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A live interactive Web Workshop hosted on RingCentral for social workers and licensed professional counselors. Continuing Education Credits Awarded/ Contact Hours: 3 clock hours (ASWB/ACE) (NBCC), 3 CE (MD BSWE)

This is a hybrid event. The event will be hosted at Grace Community Church (8200 Old Columbia Rd., Fulton, MD, 20759) and broadcast online with a link provided upon purchase of admission. If you have purchased a ticket to access the recording of the session, access to the recording will be provided after the session has concluded and the recording has been edited.

*If you are a CentrePointe alum and are interested in attending this session, please send an email to office@cpchope.org. Current students may also qualify for free attendance. Please send an email to office@cpchope.org to learn more about this opportunity.

Course Description:

It is becoming more common for counselors and social workers to treat individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a co-occurring disorder such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or ADHD. While it is beyond the ethical boundaries of counselors and social workers to diagnose an individual with ASD, it is within their scope of practice to develop a better understanding of the disorder as a whole and to learn treatment approaches that are adapted to the unique needs of each individual. In this session, we will also discuss how individuals with ASD use coping skills such as masking to manage interactions in a neurotypical world. We will also take part in a discussion about our role as potential advocates for our clients on the autism spectrum and how we can assist them in creating a safe space where they can interact with others on their own terms.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

1. Be able to define Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and identify common symptoms.
   2. Develop an understanding of how ASD is diagnosed in children/adolescents and adults.
   3. Identify potential risk factors contributing to diagnosis of ASD.
   4. Identify co-occurring disorders and common issues often associated with ASD.
   5. Learn the definition of masking within ASD.
   6. Learn ways to treat clients within this population.
   7. Learn to advocate for clients and discuss social justice issues associated with ASD.

Our Presenter:

Julie Robbins moved to the Baltimore, MD area in 2002 after completing a degree in Early Childhood Education and spent the first 10 years of her professional career as an early childhood teacher/educator. After a re-evaluation of career and personal goals, she began the pastoral counseling program at Loyola University, Maryland in 2013 and graduated in May 2017. Julie began working with CentrePointe Counseling in December 2019 and continues to see clients both virtually and in person at Parkville Baptist Church. Julie enjoys working with clients of all ages, including pre-teens, teens, and adults. She is an LGBTQ+ ally and is open to working with clients of all backgrounds and spiritual orientations. She loves all sorts of crafting, including embroidery and crochet. She lives in Baltimore City with her partner of 20 years and their two cats, Ziva and Olive.

Course Agenda:

9:00-9:25 What is ASD? What are common symptoms?

9:25-9:55 How is ASD diagnosed in children/adolescents and adults?

9:55-10:10 What risk factors contribute to the possible development of ASD?

10:10-10:20 Break

10:20-10:50 Co-occurring disorders and common issues associated with ASD

10:50-11:20 What is masking? How does it impact individuals with ASD?

11:20-11:50 How to work with clients with ASD effectively

11:50-12:15 Advocacy and social justice issues

Registration & information:

The cost to attend this event is $60, which includes a certificate of completion.

Space is limited. Cancellations must be received prior to the event date to be eligible for a refund.

Register online at www.eventbrite.com/o/centrepointe-counseling-inc-9832900843. Registration closes on June 13th, 2025.

This live webinar takes place on Ring Central and is fully interactive. Attendees may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussion

Operating Systems Requirements: Windows 10 or higher, MacOS 10 or higher, Android 5.0 or higher. • Internet Browser: Internet Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge (Chromium based), Safari. • Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-speed DSL & any other medium that is internet accessible

Please contact Centrepointe Counseling’s Continuing Education Director, Matthew Raeder (mraeder@centrepointecounseling.org.), if you have questions, concerns, or grievances about this course or require ADA accommodation.

Course completion & CE information:

Course completion requirements: Social workers and Professional Counselors must attend the entire course and complete a course evaluation to be eligible for CE credit.

Certificates of completion will be emailed within 7 business days of course completion.

CentrePointe Counseling, provider # 1586, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/28/2025 – 02/28/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.

CentrePointe Counseling, Inc. is an approved sponsor of The Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland. Social Workers and Professional Counselors should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval for continuing education credits.

CentrePointe Counseling, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6569. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CentrePointe Counseling, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.