Mental Health and Autism Project

The Mental Health and Autism Project (MHAP) is a partnership between ACT – Autism Community Training and UBC Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which aims to create an enhanced awareness of the growing trend of children with ASD having co-morbid mental health challenges. This education aims to support health professionals to better recognize these mental health challenges and provide the appropriate care. Visit any of the video series below to further explore topics in this project:

Mental Health Challenges in ASD: Perspectives of adults with ASD

Mental Health Challenges in ASD: Perspectives of adults with ASD and professionals who work with adults

This fascinating panel discussion provides positive, practical insights offered by autistic individuals, clinicians and researchers on the complex realities facing individuals with autism with mental health conditions, primarily anxiety and depression.

Videos & Resources

Treating Selective Mutism in Children with ASD

Treating Selective Mutism in Children with ASD - Ainsley Boudreau

Ainsley Boudreau, PhD, presents information about the treatment of selective mutism in children with ASD using evidence-based behavioural intervention, and offers suggestions for clinicians treating selective mutism.

Videos & Resources

Not Criminally Responsible: Autism and Forensic Healthcare

Not Criminally Responsible: Autism and Forensic Healthcare - Rae Morris

Rae Morris, MSW, RCSW, presents research and information on risk and protective factors affecting adults with ASD who encounter the criminal justice system.

Videos & Resources

The Relationship between Anxiety and Social Competence

Understanding mental health problems and ASD – evidence-based case conceptualization to inform treatment planning - Jonathan Weiss

Dr. Grace Iarocci presents the results of a study into whether generalized anxiety and depression symptoms in children ages 6-14, with and without autism, were associated with social competence.

Videos & Resources

Implementing Modified CBT in a Group Format to Treat Anxiety in Children with ASD

Implementing Modified CBT in a Group Format to Treat Anxiety in Children with ASD - Krista Johnston

This presentation includes information to support parents in recognizing anxiety and seeking appropriate services, as well as information for professionals about clinical and research efforts related to increasing community accessibility of group treatments targeting mental health concerns.

Videos & Resources

Understanding mental health problems and ASD – evidence-based case conceptualization to inform treatment planning

Understanding mental health problems and ASD – evidence-based case conceptualization to inform treatment planning - Jonathan Weiss

This presentation is part of a free training series developed for mental health clinicians experienced in CBT with an interest in adaptations relevant to neurodevelopmental disabilities. Learn about case conceptualization, diagnosis, mental health problems, emotion regulation, and more.

Videos & Resources

Mental Health in Post-Secondary Education: What is It Like for Students with ASD and What Does the Research Say?

Mental Health in Post-Secondary Education: What is It Like for Students with ASD and What Does the Research Say? - Rashmeen Nirmal

Dr. Rashmeen Nirmal provides key information on the mental health functioning of young autistic adults within the context of post-secondary settings including college and university. She discusses management of common mental health symptoms in students with ASD, in particular, depression and anxiety.

Videos & Resources

The Role of Medication in the Management of ASD

The Role of Medication in the Management of ASD - Anthony Bailey

In this succinct and illuminating presentation, Dr. Anthony Bailey discusses the role of psychotropic medications in the treatment of individuals with ASD with a range of mental health diagnoses. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience, he addresses the cautious use of medications in treating co-morbid conditions.

Videos & Resources

Girls and Women with Eating Disorders – Why are ASD and ADHD Missed?

Girls and Women with Eating Disorders – Why are ASD and ADHD Missed - Christopher Gillberg

Professor Christopher Gillberg discusses the onset of eating disorders, which tend to affect girls and women rather than boys and men, usually begins in puberty or early adult life, but in many cases it has been preceded by early onset neurodevelopmental problems, including ASD and ADHD.

Videos & Resources

Practical Strategies for Supporting Mental Wellness of Teenage Girls and Women with ASD

Practical Strategies for Supporting Mental Wellness of Teenage Girls and Women with ASD - Dori Zener

Girls and women with autism are often hard to identify due to their polished rote social skills and internalized ASD characteristics. Dori Zener's presentation will teach the audience how to adapt clinical practice to address the needs of women on the spectrum.

Videos & Resources

Addressing Mental Health in Autism: Should We Treat the Person with ASD, the Family, or the Community?

Addressing Mental Health in Autism - Dr. Jonathan Weiss

In this fascinating keynote presentation, Dr. Jonathan Weiss, one of Canada’s leading autism researchers, describes the individual and contextual factors that increase the likelihood of mental health problems for individuals with autism.

Videos & Resources

ESSENCE – Early Recognition of ASD and Associated Disorders – Can It Lead to Better Outcomes?

ESSENCE - Dr. Christopher Gillberg

In this thought provoking presentation, Dr. Gillberg makes the case that while there are common childhood onset disorders affecting about 10% of the general population, with early recognition, psychoeducation and other targeted interventions, adaptive outcomes in adult life can be improved.

Videos & Resources

Recognizing Mental Health Disorders in Children and Youth with ASD

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A panel of autism specialists from ACT’s Online Mental Health and Autism Project provide an orientation for community professionals on the high prevalence of autism across the age span, and how autistic characteristics frequently masks mental health concerns.

Videos & Resources

Treating Anxiety, Depression, and OCD in Children and Youth with ASD

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A panel of autism specialists from ACT’s Online Mental Health and Autism Project examine specific mental health conditions that affect children with ASD and their treatment, including Anxiety, Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

Videos & Resources

OMHAP Advisory Committee

Content and structure for OMHAP is determined by an expert advisory committee, convened by ACT and chaired by Professor Anthony Bailey of the University of British Columbia. Learn more about OMHAP and the Advisory Committee

OMHAP is supported by:

UBC-CPD

Division of Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, is advising on the development of the webinars and providing Continuing Educational Credits for registrants.

MCFD

British Columbia's Ministry of Children and Family Development has provided funding for OMHAP.

Simon Fraser University

Simon Fraser University has co-sponsored ACT events and provided event support.