Associations Between Reading Anxiety Inventory and General Anxiety in an Adult Clinical Sample

We examined associations between symptoms of anxiety and reading-specific anxiety in adults with learning difficulties involved in the Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center's Adult Literacy Program. We were interested in better characterizing mental health and its relationship to reading in this population. This is relevant to professionals who work with people with disabilities, in education, and the mental health field.

Determinants of the Strength of the Therapeutic Relationship in Mental Health Practice with Queer and Disabled Clients

Though research has shown disability and queerness to be intimately linked, mental health risks and treatment recommendations at this intersection have received little attention in the literature. This presentation outlines a mixed-methods study investigating the role of the therapeutic relationship in mental health practice with queer and disabled individuals and predictors of the strength of this relationship. Information is relevant to providers and educators in all mental health disciplines.

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Social Determinants of Mental Health for Children and Youth in the United States

This presentation uses data from the 2021-2022 National Survey of Children's Health to compare the impact of social determinants on the mental health of children and youth with special health care need and functional limitations and those without. Using odds ratios, the presentation highlights significant disparities between children and youth with special health care needs and functional limitations and those without on conditions associated with mental health disorders.

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Understanding Medication Use for Behavioral and Mental Health Support for Adults with IDD Using Machine Learning

Use of medications to support behavioral needs and/or to treat mental health conditions is more common among people with IDD than it is in the general population. We used a large, integrated dataset to construct algorithms to predict factors associated with medication use and to examine the most important predictors of using medication.

Promoting Self-Determination In Psychotherapy, Using The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction

This presentation details the Promoting Self-Determination in Psychotherapy project, which integrates the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to enhance mental health care access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health conditions (IDD-MH). The project aims to develop and pilot an intervention manual to promote self-determination and inclusivity in psychotherapy.

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ADAPT: A Co-Designed, Co-Facilitated Group-Based Workshop to Prevent Substance Use Disorders Among Autistic Adults

To address the need for substance use interventions for autistic adults, we developed the ADAPT intervention. ADAPT is a 6-week, online, group-based psychoeducation workshop, co-facilitated by at least one clinician and one autistic community member. ADAPT uses a harm reduction approach centering self-determination, and was created in collaboration with five autistic adults who have experienced SUD. ADAPT includes didactic and discussion-based content, allowing participants to build connections and coping strategies.

Self-Evaluation of Popularity and Social Functioning as a Predictor of Social Skills Program Outcomes Following PEERS for Adolescents

This presentation provides an overview of a study assessing adolescents' self-evaluation of popularity and social-functioning as a predictor of outcomes following an evidence-based social skills program. Findings have implications for practitioners working with adolescents, as well as future research directions related to mechanisms of change and predictors of therapeutic response.

Gender as a Predictor of Outcomes Among Autistic Youth: Examining the UCLA PEERS for Preschoolers Program

This presentation provides an overview of a study that examines whether autistic males and females differ significantly following an evidence-based social skills program for young children. The results are relevant for professionals, families, and other stakeholders regarding programs aimed at providing females with the necessary skills to navigate social situations. Findings also point to potential avenues for future research aimed at better addressing the specific needs of this population.

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The Relationship Between Suicidal Ideation and Cognitive Empathy in Autistic Adolescents

This poster presentation will highlight the relationship between cognitive empathy skills and suicidality in autistic adolescents, with findings that can inform risk assessment and treatment planning. This session is essential for psychologists, educators, and healthcare providers seeking evidence-based strategies to better support neurodivergent youth in suicide assessment and prevention.

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Improving Medicare Advantage for Medicare Beneficiaries with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities

Medicare beneficiaries with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) experience a unique set of conditions and needs that often benefit from person-centered, individualized, and coordinated care. Medicare Advantage plans can be uniquely suited to meet their complex needs through a range of services and supports under a single health plan. This poster presentation highlights opportunities for MA plans to better serve those that choose to enroll in these plans.

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Improving Mental Health Clinician Competency in Working with Autistic Youth

This poster summarizes the content and effects of an introductory workshop aimed at improving mental health clinician competency in providing psychotherapy for autistic youth. Various mental health professionals may benefit from this information, including psychologists, school psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and other related professions.

Understanding Loneliness and Isolation Among Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This presentation includes results of a survey of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their lives, as compared to other adults in Pennsylvania. The data helped inform the development of an intervention to address the loneliness and isolation many experienced. Disciplines: health disciplines, social work, DSP, social care.

Exploring the Relationship Between Attrition Rates, Depression, and Anxiety Among Autistic Adults in the UCLA PEERS for Young Adults Program

This session explores the correlation between attrition rates, depression, and anxiety among autistic young adults in the UCLA PEERS® for Young Adults program. Findings show significantly lower dropout rates for participants with anxiety and highlight trends related to depression. Relevant disciplines include psychology, social work, mental health, and autism support services.

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