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Over the years, worldwide awareness and understanding of autism spectrum disorder has grown to the point where children are more likely to be identified and diagnosed at a much earlier age. What this means, additionally, is that an increasing number of adults are also being identified for the very first time in their lives.
As a spectrum diagnosis, the symptoms and presentation of autism can fly easily under the radar and you may find yourself with autistic clients just forming their initial understanding. With close to 50% of autistic individuals reporting co-occurring anxiety disorders, clients have likely struggled with self-esteem & belonging, rigid thinking and confusion about social interactions. Mindfulness exercises have been shown to help autistic clients reduce anxiety, increase social/emotional reciprocity, reduce rumination and increase emotional regulation.
This course will provide an in-depth look at social and emotional impacts for adults living with level one ASD and how mindfulness interventions can provide a useful shift. Specific mindfulness exercises will be provided for use in your clinical practice.
Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationships
All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
PESI Australia, in collaboration with PESI in the USA, offers quality online continuing professional development events from the leaders in the field at a standard recognized by professional associations including psychology, social work, occupational therapy, alcohol and drug professionals, counselling and psychotherapy. On completion of the training, a Professional Development Certificate is issued after the individual has answered and submitted a quiz and course evaluation. This program is worth 2 hours CPD for points calculation by your association.
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - Mindfulness-based Interventions for use in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (3.4 MB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Mindfulness-based Interventions for use in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder - French (3.4 MB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Mindfulness-based Interventions for use in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder - Italian (3.4 MB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Instructions for ASHA Credit - Self-Study Only (64.4 KB) | Available after Purchase | ||
| Manual - Mindfulness-based Interventions for use in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder - German (3.4 MB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| Manual - Mindfulness-based Interventions for use in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder - Spanish (3.4 MB) | 28 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, ADHD-CCSP, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and Certified Clinical Services Provider with deep clinical experience supporting people with ADHD and neurodivergence across the lifespan. She brings over 15 years of practice in private, school, and community settings, with specialized expertise in ADHD, autism, and ADHD coaching.
Merriam is widely recognized for her work translating complex ADHD research into practical, compassionate strategies. She is the author of ADHD-focused children’s books such as My Whirling, Twirling Motor and My Wandering, Dreaming Mind, as well as adult non-fiction including Divorce and the ADHD, Autistic, Anxious Child and Mindfulness Meditation for ADHD, which reflects her commitment to strength-based, mindful approaches for neurodivergent brains.
In addition to her books, Merriam co-founded A Novel Mind, a widely used database and resource hub for neurodiversity-affirming literature, and serves as an adjunct professor of psychology, bringing evidence-informed practice into both clinical and educational spaces.
Known for blending mindfulness, behaviorally grounded support, and real-world insight, she teaches clinicians how to help clients and families build self-regulation, resilience, and effective routines that honor the unique strengths and challenges of ADHD.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Merriam Saunders maintains a private practice and has an employment relationship with Dominican University. She receives royalties as a published author. Merriam Saunders receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Merriam Saunders has no relevant non-financial relationships.
The Mindful Clinician
Differentiate Fact from Fiction
Understand the Impact of ASD on Children, Adults and Parents
The Mindful Treatment of ASD
Mindfulness Psychoeducation for ASD
Mindfulness-based Tools for the Clinician
Exercises to:
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