USING THERAPY AND PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL TECHNIQUES TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES Megan M. Gandolfi MA, LLPC, NCC, Professional Counselor, QIDP Jessica Humiston-Aman MA, LPC, NCC, Professional Counselor, QIDP
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 1 Therapeutic Techniques to Affirm individuals with disabilities who are a part of the LGBTQ+ population 2
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 2 Therapeutic Techniques to support individuals with diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Health Concerns 3
LEARNING OBJECTIVE 3 Understanding Psycho-educational techniques used to support individuals with disabilities, by enhancing social skills, online presence, safety and awareness and improving community involvement. 4
Therapeutic Techniques to Affirm individuals with disabilities who are a part of the LGBTQ+ population. 5
Basic Language LGBTQ+ Gender vs. Sex Sexual vs. Romantic Attraction Cisgender Heterosexual Social vs. Medical Transition 6
Concerns of the LGBTQ+ Community Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Suicide State Protections Research Representation (Disability) Health Care Internalized Homophobia/Transphobia Violence and Abuse Heteronormative/Cisnormative Society, Mental Health Treatment 7
LGBTQ+ and Disability National Transgender Health Survey Trans* folks with Disabilities: 45% living in poverty 59% psychological distress 42% mistreated by health care providers Denial of Sexuality and Gender Awareness ASD and LGBTQ+ Occurence 8
Being an Informed Provider Family Education Advocacy Ask Questions (but only about the individual s experience) Coming Out Language (evolution, pronouns, heteronormative/cisnormative) 9
Michigan Joe Kort (Royal Oak) Transgender Michigan Stand with Trans Equality Michigan Resources National Human Rights Campaign Trevor Project It Gets Better Gay Straight Alliance Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays 10
Therapeutic Techniques to support individuals with diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual Health Concerns 11
Sexual Health Concerns: What? Poor body image Limited knowledge regarding sexuality Limited experience in healthy intimate relationships Vulnerable to misinformation and misinterpretation Difficulty communicating thoughts and feelings (Theory of Mind) Tactile sensitivities 12
Sexual Health Concerns: Why? Enhance understanding of sexual health concepts Teach decision making skills Self esteem and body image Partner communication Legal concerns Safe sexual practices 13
Sexual Health Concerns: How? Education and Support Puberty Dating Basic sex ed Identity Intimacy 14
Sexual Health and Relationships Education Class (SHARE) Communication Non -Verbal Assertiveness Consent Exploitation Understanding the Body Reproduction HIV/AIDS/STIs 15
Lifespan of the Relationship Different types of Relationships Stages of the Relationship Toxic Relationships Relationship Termination Dating Conflict & Conflict Resolution Other Support Therapy Social Coaching 16
Understanding Psychoeducational techniques used to support individuals with disabilities, by enhancing social skills, online presence, safety and awareness and improving community involvement. 17
COMORBID DIAGNOSIS Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disabilities: Anxiety Depression Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/ Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD) Learning Disorders Cognitive Impairments 18
Comorbid Disorders Anxiety Depression High comorbidity rates with ASD and ID ASD distinct anxiety symptoms and fears Tony Attwood: 75% of folks who are ASD display depressive or anxious symptoms Reception to negative versus positive feedback and experiences 19
40% Autism Spectrum Disorder have Anxiety Comorbidity Symptomatology Specific Phobias OCD Social Anxiety ASD and Anxiety comorbidity is higher than Anxiety in neurotypical individuals, higher than Anxiety with ADHD/ADD comorbidity, higher than Anxiety with learning disabilities. Social Withdrawal Staring Lack of Emotional Expression Discernment of Anxiety Symptoms vs. ASD Symptoms ASD Level of Functioning affects Level of Anxiety 20
Techniques and Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Group Therapy Challenge Anxiety and Live Mindfully (CALM) Relationship Processing Group (RPG) Social Skills Classes Fundamentals of Social Communication (FSC) 21
Challenge Anxiety and Live Mindfully Therapy Group Understanding Anxiety Stress Management Coping Skills Trigger Identification 22
Relationship Processing Group Uses table-top role playing games as therapy modality Assertiveness Communication Perspective Taking Coping Skill Use 23
Fundamentals of Social Communication Classes Why we talk about social skills Projects to Promote Social Skill Improvement Presentation on Topic of Interest Plan a Social Engagement Interview/ Journalism Project Mindfulness and Anger Management 24
Online Safety Social Media use Online Dating Legality Catfishing Etiquette Support 25
Summary Pull it all together
Questions? 27
THANK YOU 28
References Hénault, I. (2006). Asperger's syndrome and sexuality: From adolescence through adulthood. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Henault, I., Attwood, T.(2002) The Sexual Profile of Adults with Asperger Syndrome: The need for Comprehension, Support and Education. Melbourne: World Inagural Autism Congress Publications Dekker, L.P., van der Vegt, E.J.M., van der Ende, J. et al. J Autism Dev Disord (2017) 47: 1716. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3071-y Laugeson, E. A. (2017). PEERS for young adults: Social skills training for adults with autism spectrum disorder and other social challenges. New York, NY: Routledge. James, S. E., Herman, J. L., Rankin, S., Keisling, M., Mottet, L., & Anafi, M. (2016). The Report of the 2015 U.S.Transgender Survey. Washington, DC: National Center for Transgender Equality Buck, T. R., Viskochil, J., Farley, M., Coon, H., McMahon, W. M., Morgan, J., & Bilder, D. A. (2014). Psychiatric Comorbidity and Medication Use in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(12), 3063 3071. http://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2170-2 29