Presenter: Rosario Huerta, M.Ed., MSC, LPC-S

Description: This webinar will cover the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the components of Play Therapy. Components include theoretical underpinnings, treatment, assessment, screening, and goal planning. We will discuss structured and non-structured Play Therapy interventions to address communication, social, and emotional deficits, and discuss involving parents in the Play Therapy treatment of ASD. Finally, we will cover current research and evidence-based practices.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Explain and understand Autism Spectrum Disorder.
2. Describe the components of play therapy.
3. Identify structured and non-structured play therapy interventions. 
4. Explain research and evidence-based practices in play therapy.

This program offers 1 NBCC hour.

Arizona Counseling Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2003. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Arizona Counseling Association is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Presenter: David Meer, M.C., LPC

Description: Neurodiversity is a portmanteau first coined by activist Judy Singer and columnist Harvey Blume, which can be broken down into its components of “neuro,” referring to the nervous system, and “diversity,” which refers to the variety and differences of things. Hence, neurodiversity speaks to the variation in neurological functioning in humans. The neurodiversity movement urges us to recognize neural and biological differences, to understand that not every brain works like yours, and that other people may experience the world much differently from you. There are different ways of perceiving the world, capacities to reason and think critically, and sensitivities to environmental stimuli. As providers, it is important for us to take perspective and decenter from dominant normed narratives. The purpose of this webinar is to discuss the history of the neurodiversity movement and neurodivergent culture so mental health providers, educators, and community members can effectively support neurodivergent people and build neuroinclusive environments. The information in this training may considered a precursor to becoming a neurodiversity affirming provider.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define and describe language around the neurodiversity paradigm
2. Describe neurodivergent culture and common challenges living in a neurotypical world.
3. Identify ablest attitudes toward neurodivergent perspectives.
4. Compare medical versus social models of diagnosis and treatment.
5. Destigmatize hierarchical and reductionist functional levels of autism.

This program offers 1 NBCC hour.

Arizona Counseling Association has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 2003. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Arizona Counseling Association is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Refresh, Recharge, and Reconnect with your fellow counselors at the first Arizona Mental Health Professionals Retreat. This first of its kind retreat focuses on the wellness of YOU - the counselor - and not just how you can help others. Join us for an all-inclusive weekend of mindfulness, self-care, relaxation, and low-tech educational sessions that will benefit both you and your clients. Earn valuable CEs all while truly relaxing and unwinding - it's the best of both worlds!

You're a helper. It's not just what you do, it's who you are. You spend all day every day supporting and encouraging the self-care journey of others. It's time to take your own advice. You're worth this retreat. And your clients are worth investing in the better "you" that will return.