Weekly Wednesday Webinar Series
Autism Acceptance in Action:
Real Tools for Real Life
Week 4: April 22, 2026
Autism & Mental Health
FREE
Live Webinar
April 22
12 PM EST
&
7 PM EST
1 Hour
1 CE Credit
$35 per session
Introductory
Target Audience
What you'll gain...
Knowledge
Understanding
Tools
Course Information
Course References
Bradley, L., Shaw, R., Baron-Cohen, S., & Cassidy, S. (2021). Autistic adults’ experiences of camouflaging and its perceived impact on mental health. Autism in Adulthood, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2020.0071
Grove, R., Clapham, H., Moodie, T., Gurrin, S., & Hall, G. (2023). “Living in a world that’s not about us”: The impact of everyday life on the health and wellbeing of autistic women and gender diverse people. Women’s Health, 19, 17455057231189542. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057231189542
Kinnaird, E., Stewart, C., & Tchanturia, K. (2019). Investigating alexithymia in autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Psychiatry, 55(1), 80–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2018.09.004
Zhuang, S., Tan, D. W., Reddrop, S., Dean, L., Maybery, M. T., & Magiati, I. (2023). Psychosocial factors associated with camouflaging in autistic people and its relationship with mental health and well-being: A mixed methods systematic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 105, 102335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102335
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.