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Digital Seminar

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Use in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

$129.99 Standard

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.

Here's What You'll Learn

The Mindful Clinician  

  • Understanding symptoms of ASD  
  • The Importance of Language: Neurodiversity Paradigm v. Deficit Model 
  • How is ASD diagnosed? 

Differentiate Fact from Fiction 

  • Common myths about ASD (“low functioning”, person-first language, Rainman, Aspergers) 
  • Presentation in men vs. women 
  • Assessing for co-occurring disorders 

Understand the Impact of ASD on Children, Adults and Parents 

  • Are you treating ASD or its emotional impact? 
  • “Masking” & its emotional toll 

The Mindful Treatment of ASD 

  • Applied Behavioral Analysis & its controversy 
  • Social Skills Groups 
  • Efficacy of alternative approaches 

Mindfulness Psychoeducation for ASD     

  • Why mindfulness for ASD? 
  • Differentiating between mindfulness and meditation 

Mindfulness-based Tools for the Clinician 
Exercises to:

  • Increase social reciprocity 
  • Calm the mind, body and emotions 
  • Increase flexible thinking 
  • Manage stimming & other repetitive behaviors 
  • Increase self-compassion 
  • Reduce ASD-related social anxiety 
  • Increase emotional regulation ability 

Everything You're Getting

  • More than 1 hour of video content
  • Up to 1.75 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

Meet Your Experts

Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, ADHD-CCSP

Toggle speaker biography

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 employment relationships with Superior Court of California, Dominican University, Marin County Office of Education, Centene Corporation MHN/Healthnet, and the Ansel Adams Trust. She receives royalties as a published author. Merriam Saunders receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Merriam Saunders has no relevant non-financial relationships.

More taught by Merriam Sarcia Saunders, LMFT, ADHD-CCSP

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Register for this intensive training course without risk. If you're not completely satisfied, give us a call at 800-844-8260.

We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.

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Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

Questions?

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS059288
Duration:
1 hour, 51 minutes
Copyright:
Feb 13, 2023
Closed Captions:
Available
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs

We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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