Counseling Services for a Neurodiverse Campus: Supporting Autistic and Other Neurodivergent Students in Clinical Settings

Many U.S. campuses report an increase in students who identify as autistic or otherwise neurodivergent. While they are often supported by a disability resource center, an autism-specific program, or external providers, they are increasingly looking to all campus offices to provide neuroinclusive services. In this webinar, a diverse group of clinicians and administrators will share experiences and strategies for effective clinical relationships with autistic and other neurodivergent students. This webinar is designed for counseling center and other clinical staff who wish to better understand the characteristics of autism and how to work in an accepting and effective way to support the success of autistic students who seek counseling.

This webinar is free for members of the College Autism Network. Non-member fee is $50 and provides access to the live event as well as a recording for future viewing. 

Webinar Panelists

Rachel Bedard, Ph.D., Psychologist, private practice

Dr. Bedard is a psychologist in private practice, working primarily with autistic adults. She is co-editor of three books, most recently You’ve Got This!: The Journey from Middle School to College  and A Spectrum of Solutions for Clients with Autism: Treatment for Adolescents and Adults.

Peggy Crowe, Ph.D., Director, Counseling Center & Student Accessibility Resource Center, Western Kentucky University

Dr. Crowe has served WKU in a variety of roles over her 25 years at the University. One of her key collaborations has been with WKU’s Kelly Autism Program, specifically its Circle of Support, a program for autistic WKU students that was started in 2009.

Julie DiMatteo, Ph.D., ABPP, Psychologist, Private Practice and Assistant Director, Outreach & Prevention, Seton Hall University

In addition to her work at Seton Hall, Dr. DiMatteo is co-founder of CBT Specialists of New Jersey, a private practice. Previously, Dr. DiMatteo was program coordinator for the COMPASS, a program for autistic students at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Shivani Gopal Edwards,  MSW, LISW-S, LICDC-CS, Associate Director, Director of Clinical Service, Office of Student Life, Counseling and Consultation, The Ohio State University

Shivani Edwards is an independently Licensed Social Worker and Chemical Dependency Counselor.  She currently works to support students with diverse needs and provides training on diversity issues on campus and in the local community.

Eric Endlich, Ph.D., Founder, Top College Consultants

Dr. Endlich is a licensed psychologist who helps autistic students with the college application and transition process. He has over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and is an autism parent and autistic adult.

Laura Viars, MA, LPC, Mental Health Counselor, The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, WV Autism Training Center, Adjunct Professor, Marshall University

Laura Viars is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of West Virginia and serves as the Mental Health Counselor for The College Program for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder where she began her work as a graduate assistant in 2017.

Moderator

Lee Burdette Williams, Executive Director of College Autism Network

Lee Burdette Williams is Executive Director of the College Autism Network and an experienced student affairs professional who has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles on campus, most recently as Vice President for Student Affairs at Wheaton College. She has a Ph.D. in College Student Personnel Administration and an M.Ed. in Counseling.

Cost: 

• Current College Autism Network Members – Free (but you must register)

• College Autism Network Non-members – $50

JUNE 1, 2022 – 3:30 – 5 p.m. ET