Developing Evidence-Based Interventions to Optimize Mental Health and Functional Outcomes in Autistic Youth

Presented by Dr Stephanie Ameis, University of Toronto

This lecture will focus on key mental health and functional treatment targets to consider for clinicians providing mental health care to young people on the autism spectrum. Clinical and biological heterogeneity inherent to the current autism spectrum disorder classification will be discussed. Treatments with efficacy evidence as well as some currently undergoing research testing will be presented.

Learning Objectives:

Critically review estimates of prevalence of co-occurring mental health conditions and consider related functional domains to improve awareness of the need to assess and manage these targets in autistic youth seeking mental health care.

Interpret current evidence-base for management of co-occurring mental health conditions for incorporation into care practices.

Differentiate between available evidence-based treatment approaches and novel interventions that are currently in development (e.g., brain stimulation).

About the Visiting Professor Lecture Series:

The Child Mind Institute Visiting Professor Lecture Series invites leaders in the field of child and adolescent mental health to talk about the latest research and treatment protocols. All events are open to the public. This year, all lectures will be hosted virtually over GoToWebinar. In partnership with Northwell Health, continuing medical education (CME) credits for psychiatrists and continuing education (CE) credits for psychologists are available to registered course participants.