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Mental Health Conference

November 29, 2018 @ 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Beyond Behaviors: Understanding and Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Autistic Individuals

SentryWorld
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Presented by Sharon Hammer, Lisa Hoeme, and Ellen Eggen.

 

Mental health concerns are common for individuals on the autism spectrum, yet their struggles in this area often go overlooked and untreated.  In this training, we will explore what individuals with autism share about their experiences and the impact living with autism has on their mental health. We will explore the myths and realities of autism and mental health, with a focus on building understanding around the complexities of how these two areas intersect for individuals. This training will provide specific resources for mental health professionals and others looking to learn more about the complexity of helping a person manage multiple conditions, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. This training is suitable for mental health professionals, teachers, parents and others interested in learning how to better support and treat mental health concerns for autistic people.

Workshop Learning Objectives:

  • Increased awareness of symptom presentation of common mental health concerns that co-occur with autism and how they may present differently for an autistic individual
  • Identify contributing factors to anxiety and depression in individuals with autism
  • Develop skills to individualize treatment strategies to match the individual and their neurology
  • Increase knowledge of effective treatment options and evaluating effectiveness
  • Develop an understanding of how to adjust treatment strategies when working with non-verbal or less verbal individuals

 

Click here for the Conference Flyer

Sharon Hammer

Sharon Hammer, MS, LPC is an Educational and Behavioral Consultant and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has over 20-years of experience working with children and individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Sharon is a partner at Imagine a Child’s Capacity, where she provides training and consultation to schools, community members, and parents. Sharon has co-authored two books and DVDs about using technology to support individuals with autism, entitled Lights! Camera! Autism! With Star Cinema, Sharon co-created the first “Sensory Friendly” movie going experience in the state of Wisconsin. Sharon is committed to increasing awareness and possibilities throughout the community for individuals on the spectrum.

Lisa Hoeme

Lisa Hoeme, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Educational and Behavior Consultant and a partner at Imagine a Child’s Capacity where she provides training and consultation to schools, community agencies and parents.  She has more than 18 years of clinical experience serving an expansive range individuals and families, including those with autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, attention difficulties, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression.  In her counseling practice, Lisa uses a variety of approaches, including mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy, collaborative problem solving and interpersonal neurobiology.  She uses these modalities as a catalyst to help clients work through difficult life experiences, develop effective coping and relaxation strategies and to express themselves authentically. Lisa is committed to helping those she supports to achieve personal growth and overall well-being using a positive, individualized and person-centered approach.

Ellen Eggen

Ellen Eggen, MS LPC ATR-BC is a licensed professional counselor and a nationally board certified registered art therapist. She is passionate about working with individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Over the last two years she has worked as an independent contractor with Imagine a Child’s Capacity, providing art therapy services. Ellen is also the director of mental health service at Common Threads Family Resource Center in McFarland, Wisconsin.  Ellen developed and facilitated Common Thread’s first pilot program and has continued to support program development within the center ever since. As an art therapist Ellen developed the first inclusive art program at Monroe Street fine arts center and has participated in many social action projects focused on autism and funding rights in Wisconsin. Ellen also teaches at Edgewood College in their undergraduate art therapy program and supervises master level art therapists in the state of Wisconsin for license requirement. During her free time she loves to be a mom to her two children and spend time up north at the lake with her husband and family.

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Registration for the conference is now closed. Due to venue capacity, we will not be accepting onsite registrations. 

Cancellation Policy: If for any reason your registration needs to be cancelled, a written cancellation request must be submitted by November 19th, 2018. A $25 processing fee will accompany any cancelled registrations. A $30 processing fee will accompany returned checks.

Sponsorship opportunities have a range of benefits depending on sponsorship level. The sponsorship deadline is November 19th. Download the sponsorship form below to review level benefits and to register as a sponsor.

There is a room block available at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites for the night of Wednesday, November 28th at a discounted rate of $109. Please call Cobblestone at (715) 343-0522 and request a room under the Autism Society of Wisconsin Room Block.

Deadline to reserve a room in the room block is November 5th. Discounted rates and availability are not guaranteed after this date.

Conference Sponsors

Details

Date:
November 29, 2018
Time:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Event Category:

Venue

SentryWorld
Stevens Point, + Google Map