About this live event

Learning Objectives

• Explain how the current research of Autism Spectrum Disorder and suicidal ideation are related.
• Utilize 3-5 tools to improve your interventions and outcomes for clients on the spectrum experiencing suicidal ideation.
• Identify and address the unique challenges and needs of individuals with autism who are experiencing suicidal ideation, focusing on tailored communication strategies, crisis management, and long-term support plans.
• Cite strategies for maximizing independence among neurodivergent clients by identifying their specific support needs and implementing tailored interventions to promote self-sufficiency.
• Utilize skills in establishing healthy boundaries within neurodivergent family systems, fostering effective communication and promoting familial well-being.

Learning Levels

• All Levels

Target Audience

Agenda

Live event Instructor(s)

• 

  Christi DeFrancesco, LCSW

  AVP Clinical Operations, Odyssey Psychiatric Network

  Christi is a Virginia native LCSW and has been in the field of behavioral health for over 17 years. She earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Radford University and Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). She has experience in the acute psychiatric and residential treatment settings where she held leadership positions that included experience in program management and development, risk management, human rights advocacy, business development, and community relations. Christi has also has experience with growth and development of facilities including opening an adolescent RTC from the ground up. Christi serves as an adjunct professor at VCU on the virtual platform for concentration year MSW students in their practicum field placements. She is passionate about serving and healing using breathwork, somatic experiencing, and social integration. She is married to her high school sweetheart and mother of two young children. In her spare time, Christi can often be found in the kitchen experimenting with recipes and baking, walking her dogs, or reading in her favorite cushy spot on the couch.

• 

  Cheryl Brown, MA

  Lead Therapist, The Stables Autism Program

  Cheryl is passionate about helping others achieve their mental health goals. She has worked with children, Adolescences and adults suffering from Severe Mental Illnesses, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, and Behavioral Issues. She has served as a Facilitator for IOP, Marriage and Family Therapist and Community based therapy. Cheryl has 18 years of experience working in Residential, working with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Autism. She is experienced in working with individuals with various communication styles/needs, including eye gaze and augmented communication devices. Her therapeutic approaches are a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy approaches, Marriage and Family therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Behavioral Therapy. Cheryl received her undergraduate degree from Knoxville College and received her master’s degree from Lincoln Memorial University in Mental Health Counseling.

Disclosure