Assessing and Supporting Autism and Emotional Disability in Schools

Compare DSM & ed codes, explore real case studies, and gain tools to support students with Autism & mental health needs. Earn 3 CPDs/CEUs (NASP & BBS-approved). 

Don't miss this high-impact, practical training designed for school psychologists, LEPs, LCSWs, and related professionals who support students with Autism and Emotional Disabilities.

This workshop tackles one of the more nuanced and often misunderstood areas in school-based mental health: Conducting Autism and Emotional Disability assessments, comparing DSM diagnosis and educational criteria, as well as overlapping traits.

We explore real-life case studies where it's difficult to determine if it's Autism, anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychosis, ADHD, or a mix of several overlapping diagnoses… PLUS, how to navigate situations when families, schools, and clinicians have different perspectives.

You’ll learn how to:

✅ Compare DSM-5-TR diagnoses with educational eligibility criteria
✅ Understand when traits may indicate Autism, Emotional Disability, or both
✅ Use a neurodiversity-affirming lens to guide your evaluations and supports
✅ Adapt counseling strategies for autistic students with co-occurring mental health needs
✅ Support families and staff with practical resources and language

You’ll walk away with a powerful set of tools and resources, including:

✅ A newly developed parent interview template for Autism
✅ Diagnostic cheat sheet for Autism
✅ A teacher and parent guide for working with students with Autism and mental health needs
✅ Counseling strategies and evidence-based practices tailored to this unique population

Whether you’re evaluating, consulting, or counseling, this workshop will help you navigate complex cases with more clarity and confidence, and give you ready-to-use tools to support students immediately.

Perfect for:

✅ School Psychologists (NASP-Approved CPD Provider #1184)
✅ Licensed Educational Psychologists (LEPs)
✅ Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs)
✅ School-based mental health professionals

Taught by Misty Bonta, LEP/ABSNP, and Frances Beckman, LCSW. 3 CEUs/CPDs included with your registration. (NASP and BBS-approved)

“There were so many great resources shared that can be put to use in the classroom, counseling, and consultation. The case studies were also very helpful.”

“I thought being able to compare Autism vs other disorders (like PTSD) really helped explain the difference between what Autism is and what the other disorders present as.”

“I loved the neurodiversity affirming lens and how you explained why that was important!”

Course Lessons

Misty Bonta

Misty Bonta is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) with over 16 years of experience working in various educational environments including public schools, continuation schools, specialized programs, and charter schools. Misty has extensive experience working with neurodivergent individuals and has a board certification in School Neuropsychology. She has additional certifications as a Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional, Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer. 

Misty is very passionate about neurodivergence and brain health. She provides strength-based and neuro-informed assessments and services in a compassionate and holistic approach. Each assessment is conducted with care and communication throughout the process is maintained. Her assessments will help identify areas of strength and areas of growth in order to create meaningful recommendations for treatment plans and research-based interventions. 
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