About this seminar: This presentation will address the topic of tailoring therapy to an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) way of thinking, with a focus on how to adapt evidence-based therapies for clients with ASD. The presentation will include an introduction to Autism Spectrum Conditions, with a focus on issues in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents, as well as separate issues in working with young adults and adults. Both presenters are highly experienced in the research and treatment of anxiety and other conditions in clients presenting with ASD.
About the presenters:
Steve Den-Kaat is a clinical psychologist and director of Diverse Minds, a private practice in Erskineville. Steve obtained his MSc (Psych) from Victoria University in Wellington, with research in the field of Autism Spectrum conditions, and completed his clinical training under the supervision of Prof Tony Attwood, Dr Michelle Garnett and Dr Hui Keow Lim. Steve has a keen interest in working with adolescents with complex challenges including: ADHD, conduct disorder, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. His main area of specialty is Asperger’s Syndrome and autism spectrum conditions. He has presented across Australia and internationally in this area, with a focus on self-identity and self-esteem.
Ramona Toscano-Callus is a psychologist completing her Doctor of Clinical Psychology at Macquarie University. Her doctoral research focuses on the assessment of anxiety in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has worked as an ABA therapist, and has worked at the Centre for Emotional Health Clinic at Macquarie University conducting assessments and treatments of anxiety and mood disorders in children and adolescents. At Diverse Minds she provides support to individuals with autism and their families, as well as individual and group treatments for children, adolescents and adults with a range of difficulties.