Mental health problems commonly co-occur with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and yet these problems often go untreated. This can be due to a number of factors including diagnostic overshadowing and difficulty recognising and assessing these problems. There is now good research evidence demonstrating the high prevalence rates – and sometimes atypical phenomenology – of mental health problems in ASD, and in recent years a number of randomised controlled trials have been published, primarily using a cognitive-behavioural treatment packages, with promising results.

The day will focus on identification and treatment of the mental health problems associated with ASD. As a part of this, we will discuss theoretical knowledge about autistic thinking and processing styles that can pre-dispose young people with ASD to problems of anxiety or depression, and think about how this knowledge can inform interventions.

Key takeaways

• Update your understanding of the prevalence and phenomenology of mental health problems in ASD
• Improve your knowledge of evidence-based interventions for mental health problems in ASD; including the most recent RCT-evidence relating to CBT-based approaches
• Increase your confidence when considering how best to combine medication and psychological therapy for those with ASD

Who should attend

This day would be beneficial to those who work in a clinical or research setting with an advanced understanding of ASD in children and young people, who are looking to update their skills and knowledge specifically around mental health problems in those with an ASD diagnosis. In particular; consultants, clinical leads, speciality doctors, nurse practitioners, educational psychologists, senior researchers, and those that work with children affected with mental health issues.

About the speakers

Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Principal Clinical Psychologist at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

Ann trained in clinical psychology at Oxford and is now an honorary principal clinical psychologist at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, honorary researcher at King’s College London and is also an independent practitioner. Ann worked in the Complex Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Disability Service at the Children’s Neurosciences Centre, Evelina London Children’s Hospital (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust) for 16 years. Her clinical and research interests include the assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties in ASD, cognitive pathways to anxiety in ASD, and also working with girls and women on the autism spectrum.

Dr Alice Emond, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton

Dr Alice Emond is a Clinical Psychologist and a Mindfulness Teacher. Alice specialises in Child and Family Clinical Psychology and currently works in the NHS with children and families affected by health conditions, neurodisability, and mental health difficulties. She has a particular interest in neurodevelopmental conditions and has worked in Children’s Neurodisability at both Great Ormond Street and Evelina London Hospitals. She uses mindfulness approaches in her therapeutic work with children and families, and has developed a specialist interest and training in mindfulness for Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Mindful Parenting.

Prices

Amongst our aims is the dissemination of information to bridge the gap between rigorous research and best practice in relation to child and adolescent mental health. One of the ways in which we do this is through our events, and we try to make these as accessible and affordable as is reasonably possible. The events we organise are not profit-making, many are subsidised through our other commercial activities, without which they would not be able to run. As a charity, any surplus that we make is invested back into the business to benefit our Members and the sector. Members get a discounted rate and we hope you consider joining.

Programme

09.00    Registration

09.30 – 10.45     An overview of mental health problems in ASD

10:45 – 11:00     Coffee

11.00 – 12.00     Assessment and formulation

12.00 – 13:00     Lunch

13.00 – 14.30     Adapting CBT for ASD

14:30 – 14:45     Coffee Break

14.45 – 16.00     Adapting Mindfulness for ASD

16.00 – 16.30     Closing remarks