Mar 30, 2021
Balancing Bodily and Social Needs: Sensory Processing and Friendship Experiences in Autistic Adults
March 24, 2021 | 10:00 – 11:00 PST | Zoom
This presentation will discuss the sensory experiences of autistic adults and the way they affect their daily and social lives as well as their emotional state. More specifically, the presentation will focus on explaining how unusual sensory experiences and sensitivities shape friendship perceptions and practices in autistic adults. The results are based on a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews as well as two focus groups, as part of a larger PhD ethnographic research project conducted in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Presenter:
Jad Brake, Ph.D candidate, UBC Department of Anthropology; Graduate Fellow at the W. Maurice Young Centre for Applied Ethics
Mar 19, 2021
Mindfulness Based Interventions for Parents and Caregivers of Individuals with ASD and other Neurodiverse Needs
March 9, 2021 | 11:00 – 12:00 PST | Zoom
This colloquium will provide an overview of the concepts, rationale, and evolution of mindfulness-based interventions. Research supporting the benefits of these interventions with families, caregivers, and individuals with ASD and other disabilities will be included. The presenter will describe the characteristics of effective programs and tips to support individuals with ASD.
Presenter:
Georgina Robinson, Ph.D., Principal, Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders (POPARD)
Jan 22, 2021
Testing the Effects of the PEERS® Intervention for Autistic Youth and Young Adults: Impacts on Mental Health and Neural Activity
January 20, 2021 | 10:30 – 12:00 PST | Zoom
In this presentation, Dr. McVey will discuss her research examining an evidence-based social skills intervention, the Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills (PEERS®). She will present her findings demonstrating the intervention’s secondary effects on mental health symptoms (depression, social anxiety, and suicidality) and changes in neural activity.
Presenters:
Alana McVey, Ph.D., Post-doctoral fellow, Dept. of Psychology, University of British Columbia
Jan 11, 2021
Identifying and Supporting Trauma in Complex Cases of ASD
January 6, 2021 | 2:30 – 4:00 PST | Zoom
Trauma rates in children with ASD may be underestimated due to the range of symptoms that potentiate the risk for maltreatment; thus, overshadowing of trauma symptoms is likely in this population (Stack & Lucyshyn, 2018). Using case studies, this seminar will provide an overview of trauma; how it can present in individuals with ASD; and a review of the literature.
Learning Objectives:
1. Discuss how symptoms can present themselves in individuals with ASD and trauma;
2. Discuss applications of applied behaviour analysis (ABA) to trauma;
3. Discuss applications from Trauma-Focused Trauma-Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
4. Discuss applications from Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
5. Discuss and apply how to integrate trauma-based approaches with an ABA- based intensive intervention program.
Presenters:
Alexia Stack, M.Ed., BCBA, Clinical Supervisor, A Block Above Behavioral Consulting
Bobbi Hoadley, M.Ed., BCBA, RCC, Practice Leader, Parley Services
Andrea Schneider, BCR, BCaBA, A Block Above Behavioral Consulting
Feb 24, 2020
A Preliminary Evaluation of a Modified, School-Based Facing Your Fears Intervention for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety
February 12, 2020 | 2:30 – 4:00 pm | Neville Scarfe Room 308A
With a high prevalence of anxiety among youth with autism spectrum disorder, researchers have noted that implementing effective treatments in real-world settings is a top priority. This presentation will describe the results of two related studies that examined an adaptation and delivery of the Facing Your Fears (FYF) intervention for anxiety in school settings.
Karen Kester is the Director of the Linking Autism to Fmailies
Dec 11, 2019
Assessment and Treatment of Comorbid Selective Mutism and Autism Spectrum Disorder
November 21, 2019 | 2:30 – 3:30 pm | Neville Scarfe Room 308A
It is well-known that anxiety disorders co-exist with ASD but much less is known about how to treat anxiety specific to speaking – that is, selective mutism (SM) – in the context of ASD. This is problematic as SM compounds the core social-communication deficits in ASD. This presentation provides information about how to assess and treat SM in children with ASD, using evidence-based behavioural intervention for SM modified for ASD.
Ainsley Boudreau is a staff Psychologist at BC Children’s Hospital.
Apr 01, 2019
Detecting Anxiety Disorders in Youth with ASD
March 19, 2019 | 2:00 – 3:30 | Neville Scarfe Room 278
Children with ASD frequently experience co-occurring anxiety disorders, yet these anxiety disorders can often go undetected, given the overlap of anxiety and autism symptoms. In this talk, Dr. Kerns will review research on the prevalence, presentation and assessment of anxiety disorders in children with ASD. Implications for treatment of anxiety in children with ASD will also be considered.
Dr. Kerns is an Assistant Professor of Department of Psychology at UBC.
Jul 26, 2017
Public Lecture by Dr. Jonathan Weiss, York University, UBC Summer Scholar
Individuals with autism often struggle with managing anxiety, anger, or depression, and increasingly, interventions are being used to help address these difficulties. These treatments are best provided within a context of supporting families and healthy environments. This lecture reviews the evidence for individual, family, and community interventions. The presentation is suited for parents, professionals, and students.
May 10, 2016
Sara White, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Clinical Director, Sendan Autism and Behavioral Services
Bellingham, WA
Apr 16, 2014
Pat Mirenda, PhD, BCBA-D, Professor, Faculty of Education, and Director, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration in Autism (CIRCA), University of British Columbia
Event Poster
Presentation
Autism Sensory Intervention References, 2014
Handout