Continuing Education for Psychologists
APA-Approved & Neurodiversity-Affirming

Weekly Wednesday Webinar Series

Autism Acceptance in Action:
Real Tools for Real Life

When It Feels Like Too Much: Autism & Mental Health

Week 4: April 22, 2026 

This webinar on Zoom is FREE to attend.

Option to add 1 CE Credit
for a fee of $35.00

When It Feels Like Too Much:

Autism & Mental Health

What happens when an autistic person also faces mental health challenges?  Come explore with us the reasons that co-occurring mental health conditions are often underdiagnosed in persons with Autism and how to address their unique needs.
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FREE
Live Webinar

Recorded Session Available after 04/08/26

April 22

12 PM EST
&
7 PM EST


1 CE Credit

(Optional purchase)

$35

Introductory

Program design to build foundational understanding of an emerging area of knowledge.

1 hour session

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What you'll gain...

This course addresses the intersection of autism and mental health, with a focus on diagnostic overshadowing, misinterpretation of autistic traits, and barriers to effective care. Participants will examine common mental health presentations in autistic individuals and how these may differ from neurotypical norms. The course emphasizes adaptations to assessment and intervention that improve accuracy and treatment outcomes within a neurodiversity-affirming framework.

Knowledge

Explain the concept of diagnostic overshadowing and its impact on mental health care.

Understanding

Identify common ways autistic traits may be misinterpreted in clinical settings.

Tools

Describe at least three adaptations to improve mental health assessment and intervention for autistic individuals
Week4: When It's Too Much: Autism & Mental Health

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

LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

NADD-CC

Competency-Based Clinical Certification from NADD

PARENT

Parent of Autistic Adult
Meet the instructor

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.

Maleita has a master of social work degree from Boston College Graduate School of Social Work. She is a certified clinician with the National Association 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.

PHY

Physicist

NADD-DSP

Competency-Based Direct Support Professional

ADVOCATE

Autism
Self-Advocate
Meet the instructor

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.

Mission

The Moringa Institute advances professional excellence by providing psychologists, master’s level clinicians, and students with innovative opportunities to discover and integrate evidence-based practices into their work. Rooted in decades of experience and a commitment to holistic, lifespan-focused care, we strengthen professionals’ knowledge, skills, and frameworks to better serve individuals and communities.

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