DSCYF (PBH) Mental Health and ASD

2022

Recently there has been a greater recognition of the high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions among children with ASD/IDD (Vasa et al., 2013). Mental health conditions can be particularly distressing for children with ASD/IDD because of challenges these children may have in communicating their experiences and learning coping strategies through traditional means. Families also experience increased stress in parenting a child with ASD/IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions, often due to systemic challenges and lack of accessible services (Yorke et al., 2018). Mental health practitioners report a lack of understanding about ASD/IDD and how to treat co-occurring mental health challenges with children and their families (Brookman-Frazee, 2012). As a result, these conditions often go unrecognized and families face difficulty finding adequate treatment. A systemic approach to comprehensive training and technical assistance for mental health units/organizations is greatly needed in order to build capacity and ensure better support for this population. The present project provides identified units within the Division of Prevention and Behavioral Health (PBH) with individualized training, technical assistance, and case consultation with the goals of improving the internal capacity of targeted PBH units to support clients with autism. Using a combination of large all-staff trainings and intensive, on-going work with unit leads, CDS staff train participating units in topics that include the core characteristics of ASD; common co-occurring mental health diagnoses; and evidence-based supports that are beneficial for this population of individuals.

Continuing Education/Community Training

Education & Early Intervention, Health-Related Activities

Professionals and Para-Professionals

Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban

State

N/A