Please disregard the "No Credit Offered" tag. Milestones will grant Social Work and Counseling CEUs outside of this system once you complete the training and do the evaluation.

Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the US. 1 in 44 individuals are on the autism spectrum. The many caregivers and parents that support autistic and developmentally disabled individuals face unique and distinctive behavioral health challenges. Grief, anxiety and depression are often a part of caregivers' behavioral health struggles, but there are methods of support that can help build their resilience and coping skills. In this workshop, participants will learn about common issues caregivers face and how behavioral healthcare providers can best support them. A special focus will be given to behavioral healthcare providers of color and potential clients from underserved communities. Workshop attendees will receive skills to fill the growing need to connect disability-specific trained counselors of color to families seeking care from professionals that understand how their cultural experience impacts their caregiving journey. The long-term trauma involved in caregiving and the persistent barriers to achieving a happy and healthy life for caregivers who support their disabled loved ones will be highlighted while evidence based strategies for success will be discussed.

Beth has over a decade of experience working directly with autistic young adults, guiding families and individuals toward greater independence. Prior to joining Milestones in 2011, Beth served as a Youth Transition Specialist with LEAP (Linking Employment, Abilities & Potential). Beth earned her MSSA with a concentration in Community Development and Social Change from Case Western Reserve University. She has represented Milestones on the Employment First Transition Council for the State of Ohio where she assisted with policy development and implementation and also serves as a field advisor for Case Western Reserve University Graduate School of Social Work and previously sat on the internal curriculum committee. She has also presented on topics related to autistic teens and adults throughout the state of Ohio and national conferences. Beth is dedicated to mentoring self-advocates to become teachers for others and expanding community engagement for autistic individuals.

1.) Participants will be able to identify common behavioral health related issues caregivers of individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities face and how they might present in a counseling setting.

2.) Participants will be able to recommend more appropriate services and supports to their clients who are caregivers to help decrease the burden of long-term caregiving and improve their mental and emotional health.

3.) Participants will be able to discuss how carrying multiple marginalized identities, including race and disability status, impacts clients and their ability to develop trusting relationships with behavioral health providers.