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Digital Seminar

Working with Autism and Anxiety: Hidden Problems and Effective Solutions


Faculty:
Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD
Duration:
1 Hour 58 Minutes
Copyright:
Mar 24, 2018
Product Code:
NOS095960
Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Access:
Never expires.


Description

High-functioning autism isn’t always easy to spot. But when clients who enter therapy for panic, anxiety, or social phobia fail to respond to standard treatment protocols, autism might be a complicating factor.

Often undiagnosed in women and academically successful people who are over 30, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) creates anxiety, which can then appear as the primary issue.

In this workshop recording, you’ll discover how people on the spectrum experience anxiety, and how treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or social anxiety can be adjusted for the diagnosis.

CPD


CPD
- 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 online program is worth 2.0 hours CPD for points calculation by your association.

Handouts

Faculty

Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD's Profile

Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD Related seminars and products


Margaret Wehrenberg, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist, is the author of nine books on the treatment of anxiety and depression, including her most recent e-book, Pandemic Anxiety: Fear, Stress, and Loss in Traumatic Times (January, 2021), bestselling book, The 10 Best-Ever Anxiety Management Techniques (W.W. Norton, 2018), and You Can Handle It: 10 Steps to Shift Stress from Problem to Possibility (PESI, 2017). She has also written a book for the general public, The 10 Best Anxiety Busters.

An expert on the treatment of anxiety and depression, she also has extensive training and expertise in the neurobiology of psychological disorders. In addition to clinical work, she coaches business professionals on managing anxiety and has contributed articles for the Psychotherapy Networker magazine. She has produced Relaxation for Tension and Worry, audio soundtracks for breathing, muscle relaxation and imagery to use with anxious clients. Margaret blogs on depression for Psychology Today. Noted for humor, pragmatic treatment approaches, and her interactive teaching style, Dr. Wehrenberg is a sought-after speaker for conferences and trainings, consistently getting the highest ratings for her dynamic presentation and high-quality content. She is one of PESI’s most highly rated speakers and her evaluation from the most seasoned professionals often rank her training “as among the best I have ever attended.”

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg maintains a private practice. She receives royalties as a published author. She is an international presenter and receives compensation. Dr. Wehrenberg receives a speaking honorarium, book royalties, and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Margaret Wehrenberg is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Anxiety Disorder Association of America.


Outline

Recognizing the Impact of High Functioning Autism (HFA) on Anxiety

  • HFA creates anxiety 
  • Recognizing the interaction of anxiety symptoms of panic, worry and social anxiety with  HFA 

Meltdowns and Panic: Learn to identify the Signs and Correct for Panic/Meltdown

  • Evidence of anxiety building and tools to minimize arousal 
  • Planning for panic/meltdown with emotional regulation tools and the S.C.A.R.E.D solution  from Lipsky 

Worry and the Logic of HFA

  • Explore feeling states to develop confidence and vocabulary for self‐expression 
  • Utilize Visual and concrete learning styles to diminish worry

Social Anxiety (SAD) and HFA – Accommodating the Differences

  • Identify major differences between similarly appearing HFA and SAD
  • Diminish obstacles to forming friendship and develop social skills
  • Help clients learn social conversation verbal and non‐verbal recognition skills

Objectives

  1. Explore how to accurately identify when generalized anxiety, panic, or social fears are caused by ASD
  2. Explore how to unblock the typical obstacles to releasing worry in ASD clients, like illogical thinking and idiosyncratic use of language
  3. Explore how to assess when panic attacks are actually ASD meltdowns and apply appropriate interventions, such as learning to predict patterns and preparing a safe place
  4. Explore how to relieve social anxiety by strengthening the underdeveloped capacity of people with ASD to self-soothe and change their self-talk

Target Audience

  • Psychologists
  • Physicians
  • Addiction Counselors
  • Counselors
  • Social Workers
  • Marriage & Family Therapists
  • Nurses
  • Other Behavioral Health Professionals

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