This webinar will feature a panel discussion by and for parents, professionals and self-advocates to build awareness of the prevalence of mental health challenges in individuals with autism across the lifespan.

Panelists include:

Brenda von Rautenkranz, LCPC, NCC, Psychotherapist, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, President of Fit for Life

Dr. Andrea Goddard, Supervisor, Child and Family Therapy Clinic, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Kennedy Krieger Institute

Dr. Christine Dub, PhD, BCBA, NCSP Licensed Psychologist, Department of Behavior Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute

Sara Uram, LCSW-C, Social Worker, Neuropsychiatry Program, Sheppard Pratt

Dr. Robert Wisner-Carlson, Chief of Autism and Neurodevelopmental Outpatient Program, Senior Psychiatrist and Service Chief of Adult Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Unit, Sheppard Pratt

Mia Williams, Parent Representative, AUSOM Board Member

Matthew Plantz, Self Advocate and AUSOM Board Member

Denise Giuliano, Executive Director, NAMI Howard County

Consider these statistics:

* 70% of individuals with autism have at least one, if not multiple, co-occurring mental health issues
* Most common co-occurring mental conditions include anxiety, depression, ADHD and bipolar disorder
* Co-occurring mental conditions that often emerge in adolescence can lead to self-harm, aggression and suicidal ideation
* Almost half of adults with autism are three times more likely to suffer from depression
* Autistic adults with depression are five times more likely to attempt suicide than the general population
* Almost half of adults with autism who attempt suicide have not been diagnosed with depression before their attempts

FREE to attend by registration required.