This activity will focus on various evidence-based treatments for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including psychopharmacology, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and intensive behavioral therapies, including applied behavioral analysis (ABA). The significance of early intervention services and educational support beyond preschool will be highlighted. In addition, the benefits of supportive practices such as mindfulness and stress management for caregivers will be explored.

This activity will provide an overview of neurodiversity and examine the essential features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as distinct patterns of repetitive behaviors, interests and activities. It will also discuss ASD and developmental screening and explore optimal approaches to care following a diagnosis.

This activity will identify conditions that require hospitalization and the potential risks and complications that hospitalizations can pose. The importance of timely identification of resident problems and accurate communication with health care providers who deliver care for residents will also be discussed.

This activity will delve into the significance of combined physical and behavioral health treatments on patient outcomes and discuss the key components of evidence-based integrated behavioral health models. Participants will also examine hurdles to adopting these integrated models, including systemic and cultural barriers, to better enable them to advocate for and navigate the provision of whole-person health care.