Weekly Wednesday Webinar Series
Autism Acceptance in Action:
Real Tools for Real Life
Autism & Mental Health
1 Hour
1 CE Credit
$35 per session
Introductory
Target Audience
What you'll gain...
Knowledge
Understanding
Tools
Course Information
Course References
Bäccman, C., Agorander, S., Lanér, I., & Almqvist, K. (2026). Exposure to potentially traumatic events and associated mental health problems in children referred for assessment for ADHD and/or autism. Nordic Psychology, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/19012276.2025.2609996
Daghustani, W. H., Abo Hamza, E. G., Hogg, R., & Moustafa, A. (2025). Autism, bullying, and mental health: a comprehensive systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16(1653663). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1653663
Hemant Deshmukh, N., & Gadade, H. (2025). Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Global Review of Analysis, Intervention and Support Approaches. 2025 International Conference on Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems (ICMLAS), Machine Learning and Autonomous Systems (ICMLAS), 2025 International Conference On, 806–810. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICMLAS64557.2025.10968790
Kinnaird, E., Stewart, C., & Tchanturia, K. (2019). Investigating alexithymia in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European psychiatry : the journal of the Association of European Psychiatrists, 55, 80–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.09.004
Lushin, V., Marcus, S., Tao, S., Engstrom, M., Roux, A., & Shea, L. (2025). Comparing the prevalence of substance use disorders between persons with and without autism spectrum disorders. Autism. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613251325282
Pantazakos, T., & Vanaken, G. J. (2023). Addressing the autism mental health crisis: the potential of phenomenology in neurodiversity-affirming clinical practices. Frontiers in psychology, 14, 1225152. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1225152
Simpson, A., Van Rensburg, M., Ding, L., & Rydzewska, E. (2024). The prevalence of coexisting mental health conditions in gender diverse autistic people: A systematic review. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102427
Tafolla, M., & Lord, C. (2024). Longitudinal Analyses of Mental Health in Autistic Individuals: A Systematic Review. Brain Sciences, 14(10), 1033. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14101033
APA Continuing Education Information
Course Outline
0:00 – 0:05 (5 min) — Introduction & Orientation
- Presenter introduction, credentials, disclosures
- Review of learning objectives
- Overview of session structure and expectations
0:05 – 0:15 (10 min) — Diagnostic Overshadowing
- Definition and clinical relevance
- How autistic traits are misattributed to autism rather than co-occurring conditions
- Impact on access to appropriate care
0:15 – 0:30 (15 min) — Autism & Mental Health Presentation
- Common co-occurring conditions:
- Differences in presentation
- Barriers to accurate assessment
0:30 – 0:45 (15 min) — First-Hand Case Scenario
0:45 – 0:55 (10 min) — Adapting Mental Health Support
- Neurodiversity-affirming adaptations
- Improving assessment accuracy
0:55 – 1:00 (5 min) — Summary & Closing
- Review key concepts
- Revisit learning objectives
Maleita Olson, LCSW, NADD-CC
Maleita Olson, LCSW, is a co-founder and former executive director of Spectra Support Services, LLC. She is a licensed clinical social worker in PA. During Maleita’s 30 plus year career, she has worked for in community-based, institutional, government and medical settings, with a primary focus on serving individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Timothy Olson, BS
Timothy Olson is an autistic adult, neurodiverse public speaker, and advocate focused on mental health awareness and the recognition of neurodiversity. Diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at age five, he received support throughout his schooling for his giftedness, autism, and ADHD, and went on to earn a degree in Physics from Elon University.
Since 2019, Tim has represented autism advocates on panels at his university and at local conferences, including Next Steps Into Adulthood hosted by the Center for Autism Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He currently works as a peer mentor supporting young adults with Autism and/or intellectual disabilities with significant support needs, blending lived experience with professional insight from his work as a Direct Support Professional.
In addition to his advocacy, Tim is an emerging environmental professional with a focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. He is passionate about public transportation and the environment, and enjoys cycling, music, and performing as a member of a local acapella group in the greater Philadelphia area.