Introduction to Course

Overall Curriculum Learning Objectives:

1. Recognition of and screening for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in adolescents and young adults (including role of diagnostic tools and neuropsychological testing).
2. Understanding the role of genetic testing and neurological evaluation in ASD diagnosis.
3. Increase awareness of comorbid medical conditions for transition age youth (TAY) diagnosed with ASD including seizure disorder and gastrointestinal disorders.
4. Evaluation and diagnosis of comorbid behavioral and emotional disorders in TAY diagnosed with ASD based on DSM-5 criteria.
5. Medication evaluation and management of comorbid psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, psychosis) for TAY diagnosed with ASD.
6.  Awareness of psychosocial treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), social skills training, and applied behavioral analysis (ABA).
7.  Awareness of educational and vocational interventions for TAYS diagnosed with ASD with or without other comorbidities.
8.  Illustrating how to provide care as part of a multi- and interdisciplinary team towards the development of comprehensive treatment, including vocational and educational plans
9. Enhance the integration of a sociocultural and family systems approach to the treatment of TAY diagnosed with ASD.
10.  Understanding the educational, medical, and behavioral health care available for TAY diagnosed with ASD in Massachusetts including DDS, DMH, and CBHI as one model of a system of care.

Supplemental Videos

Learning about ASD in general from The Autism Program at BMC:

Learning about ASD in general from pediatric specialists: