Sample Featured Video from the Class
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for those with ASD. Multiple studies confirm that persons with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) demonstrate an elevated risk for multiple suicide-related outcomes (i.e., suicide death and suicide attempt) in comparison to the non-autistic population. This workshop reviews how biological and social/environmental differences contribute to risk factors. We will also explore distinctions in the
warning signs for suicide as well as the use of traditional and recent tools for conducting an accurate riskassessment for this population. Finally, resources specific to supporting the ASD population and their mental health willbe provided.
A diagnosis of Autism can result in clinicians and family members missing warning signs, as they present differently in the neurodivergent population. We will present how to assess for risk of various suicide behaviors.
We will explore the way in which the language used to identify suicide behaviors impacts the perception of the individual experiencing them and society at large.
The spectrum of suicide behavior from ideation to plans to actions and all variations will be discussed and presented.
Screening tools currently designed to detect suicide risk in persons with ASD and those in development will be discussed and presented.
A brief overview of intervention tools in the therapeutic setting will be presented as well as various community and research resources.
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.
Maleita has a master of social work degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She is a certified clinician with the National Associaton for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD). She is a frequent presenter at local, state, and national conferences on topics related to autism spectrum disorder, the transition to adulthood, and impacts of disability on the family.
Maleita lives in Springfield, PA with her husband and four children, three of whom are neurodivergent. She is a past president of ASCEND: the Asperger and Autism Alliance for Greater Philadelphia and a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the Arc of Delaware County, the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Autism Society of America.
Tim is a young adult who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome at the age of 5. He received support in elementary, middle school, and high school for his giftedness, autism, and ADHD. He 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.
Tim currently works as a peer-mentor with young adults with Autism and/or intellectul disabilities with significant support needs.
Tim has a passion for the environment and the benefits and workings of public transportation. He is an avid cyclist and musician who plays several instruments. He is a member of a local acapella group that performs regularly throughout the greater Philadelphia area.
