Continuing Education for Psychologists
APA-Approved & Neurodiversity-Affirming

April 2026: Weekly Webinar Series

Autism Acceptance in Action:
Real Tools for Real Life

A Neurodiversity-affirming perspective on

Understanding Autism

Shift from "fixing behaviors" to understanding needs, strengths, & meaningful support.
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FREE
Live Webinar

Recorded Session Available after 04/08/26

April 1

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

Audience

Psychologists, Mental Health Professionals, Educators, Therapists, Families & Individuals
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What you'll gain...

This course introduces a neurodiversity-affirming framework for understanding autism, emphasizing differences in cognition, communication, and sensory processing rather than deficits. Participants will examine how traditional pathology-based models influence perception, diagnosis, and intervention, and will explore alternative approaches that prioritize autonomy, environmental fit, and individualized support. The session highlights practical applications of neurodiversity principles across home, educational, and clinical contexts.

Knowledge

Differentiate between pathology-based and neurodiversity-affirming models of autism.

Understanding

Explain how differences in sensory processing and communication contribute to autistic presentation.

Tools

Identify at least three practical strategies that align with neurodiversity-affirming support approaches.

Understanding Autism:
A Neurodiversity-Affirming Perspective

Week 1: April 1, 2026 

This webinar on Zoom is FREE to attend.

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

Course Information

Course References

Dwyer, P. (2022). Stigma, Incommensurability, or Both? Pathology-First, Person-First, and Identity-First Language and the Challenges of Discourse in Divided Autism Communities. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 43(2), 111–113. https://doi.org/10.1097/dbp.0000000000001054

Murray, D., Milton, D., Green, J., & Bervoets, J. (2022). The Human Spectrum: A Phenomenological Enquiry within Neurodiversity. Psychopathology, 56(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1159/000526213

Pellicano, E., & den Houting, J. (2021). Annual Research Review: Shifting from “normal science” to neurodiversity in autism science. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(4), 381–396. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13534


APA Continuing Education Information


Education Standard
Standard D1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

APA Continuing Education Approval
This course has been reviewed by Moringa Institute’s APA Committee and has been approved as meeting the criteria for American Psychological Association (APA) Continuing Education (CE) credits.

The lead psychologist overseeing the development of the entire course content is Raquel Emdur, PsyD, MT-BC, CMT, ensuring alignment with APA standards for educational quality and professional relevance.

Course Outline

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

·           Presenter introduction, credentials, disclosures

·           Review of learning objectives

·           Overview of session structure

 0:05 – 0:15 (10 min) — Traditional Models of Autism

·           Overview of pathology-based frameworks

·           Diagnostic criteria and deficit language

·           Historical context of autism conceptualization

 0:15 – 0:30 (15 min) — Neurodiversity Framework

·           Definition and principles of neurodiversity

·           Autism neurological differences

·           Integration of research

 0:30 – 0:45 (15 min) — Applying the Framework to Real Life

·           Environmental mismatch vs. individual deficit

·           Impacts on Education, Clinical care, Family systems

·           First-person Case example

 0:45 – 0:55 (10 min) — Practical Strategies

·           Neurodiversity-affirming supports

·           Autonomy, Individualization, Reducing harm from misalignment

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

·           Review key concepts

·           Revisit learning objectives

·           Provide resources and next steps


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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