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 5: April 29, 2026 

This webinar on Zoom is FREE to attend.

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

Staying Safe & Supported:

Understanding Suicide Risk in Autism

Suicide is the second leading cause of early death for persons with Autism.  Come explore how to recognize suicide behavior in autistic individuals and how to implement prevention strategies and support safety.
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FREE
Live Webinar

Recorded Session Available after 04/08/26

April 29

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 examines suicide risk in autistic individuals, highlighting elevated risk factors, unique presentations, and challenges in recognition. Participants will explore how communication differences, masking, and unmet support needs may influence risk and help-seeking. The session emphasizes practical strategies for identifying warning signs and implementing protective supports in clinical, educational, and community settings.

Knowledge

Identify at least three autism-specific risk factors associated with suicidality, including social isolation, masking, and unmet support needs.

Understanding

Describe how warning signs of suicidality may present differently in autistic individuals compared to neurotypical populations.

Tools

Apply at least three strategies to increase protective factors and support safety in clinical, educational, or community settings for persons with autism at risk for suicidal behaviors.
Week 5:  Staying Safe & Supported:
Understanding Suicide Risk in Autism

Course Outline

0:00 – 0:05 (5 min) — Introduction & Orientation

  • Presenter introduction, credentials, and disclosures
  • Review of learning objectives
  • Overview of session structure and expectations

 

0:05 – 0:15 (10 min) — Overview of Suicide Risk in Autism

  • Review prevalence and elevated risk trends
  • Key contributing factors
  • Distinction between general vs. autism-specific risk factors

 

0:15 – 0:30 (15 min) — Recognizing Warning Signs

  • Differences in presentation compared to neurotypical populations:
  •  Communication considerations:
  • Challenges in recognition

0:30 – 0:45 (15 min) — Applied Case Activity

0:45 – 0:55 (10 min) — Protective Factors & Support Strategies

  • Building protective supports
  • Practical strategies
  • Emphasis on, respecting autonomy and reducing barriers to help-seeking

 0:55 – 1:00 (5 min) — Summary & Closing

  • Review key takeaways
  • 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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