This full day training is the equivalent of 6 hours CPD, and is suitable for those who have an advanced knowledge of the treatment and management of children and young people with an ASD diagnosis. Mental health problems commonly co-occur with ASD, yet these problems often go untreated. This Masterclass offers both clinicians and researchers the opportunity to update their knowledge of the evidence-base and its implications for best-practice. This is a unique opportunity to learn from the best-of-the-best in the field of ASD and mental health.

6 CPD credits from the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland

This event has been approved for 4 Learning Credits for the members of the PSI

Learning outcomes and 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
• Recognise that the development of sexuality and sexual orientation in those with ASD is often different to neurotypical development, and discuss the implications for best-practice

The ‘Masterclass Series’

This CPD training day is part of ACAMH’s ‘Masterclass Series’. The ‘Masterclass Series’ delivers advanced, evidence-based training for those working in CYP mental health, to build upon their skills, knowledge and experience. They are interactive sessions, consisting of a series of lectures delivered by world-renowned experts in the field who focus on the latest research, and the implications for best-practice.

About the day

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.

The emphasis of this Masterclass will be on interactive learning using group exercises, and numbers are kept low to encourage discussion and sharing of experience and ideas.

What the delegates said

“Excellent Masterclass! Very informative with clear practical tips, with clear articulate speakers.” Previous delegate

“Excellent speakers, very interesting, thoroughly evidence-based and engaging” Previous delegate

From a previous ASD Masterclass our delegates said…

• Overall value – 100% rated good or very good
• Knowledge gained can be used in an impactful way – 100% rated good or very good
• Quality of speakers 100% – rated very good

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 has worked in the Complex Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Disability Service at the Children’s Neurosciences Centre, Evelina Children’s Hospital (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust) for 14 years since qualification. Her clinical and research interests include assessment and treatment of mental health difficulties in ASD, and cognitive pathways to anxiety in ASD

Dr Osman Malik, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Department of Children’s Neurosciences at Evelina London, St Thomas’ Hospital, London

Osman is trained in General Psychiatry at Imperial College, London, and went on to work as a speciality doctor at the Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology at Great Ormand Street Hospital. He completed higher training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Great Ormand Street and The Royal London Training Programme.

Currently at the Evelina he is working across several teams with Neurosciences: Complex Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Disability Service, Sleep Medicine, TANDeM (Tourette and Neurodevelopmental Movement Disorders Service) and Children’s Psychological Medicine (National and Specialist Paediatric Liaison Service – South London and Maudsley NHS Trust). Dr Malik has published research on the mental health needs of adopted children, cognitive impairment from high cortisol levels and is currently involved in research in autism and tics

Karen Pratt, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Evelina London, St Thomas’ Hospital, London

Karen has been nursing in the NHS for 18 years and has trained as a Paediatric Nurse. Her background throughout her career has predominantly concentrated on Neurology and is currently a Clinical Nurse Specialist based at the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London. She has been in this role for 15 years.

Karen’s role is predominantly focused on providing follow-up reviews monitoring patient’s responses to medication, working very closely with local services and schools. She also works within the Evelina London around children with complex challenging behaviour and coordinating care for their admissions or procedures. She is currently completing an MSc in challenging behaviour and intellectual difficulties at the Tizard Centre.