Scalable Psychopathology InteRvention Intensive Training for Intellectual Disability and Autism (SPIRIT-ID/A)
The Scalable Psychopathology InteRvention Intensive Training for ID & Autism (SPIRIT-ID/A)
training program teaches mental health practitioners skills they need to adapt cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat co-occurring mental health disorders in this underserved group. Co-led by psychologists with over 50 years of combined autism clinical and research expertise, as well as autistic providers, SPIRIT-ID/A covers understanding autism and IDD, behavioral modifications, and cognitive modifications. Throughout the course the content takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach and incorporates lived-experience perspectives.
Co-developed and co-led by a team with clinical, research, and lived experience expertise, (including Matthew D. Lerner, PhD, Lauren Moskowitz, PhD, Rebecca Sachs, PhD, Dena Gassner, PhD, MSW, and Allison Nahmias, MEd, PhD), SPIRIT-ID/A covers understanding autism and IDD, behavioral modifications, and cognitive modifications to CBT. Course content takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach and incorporates lived-experience perspectives.
training program teaches mental health practitioners skills they need to adapt cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat co-occurring mental health disorders in this underserved group. Co-led by psychologists with over 50 years of combined autism clinical and research expertise, as well as autistic providers, SPIRIT-ID/A covers understanding autism and IDD, behavioral modifications, and cognitive modifications. Throughout the course the content takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach and incorporates lived-experience perspectives.
Co-developed and co-led by a team with clinical, research, and lived experience expertise, (including Matthew D. Lerner, PhD, Lauren Moskowitz, PhD, Rebecca Sachs, PhD, Dena Gassner, PhD, MSW, and Allison Nahmias, MEd, PhD), SPIRIT-ID/A covers understanding autism and IDD, behavioral modifications, and cognitive modifications to CBT. Course content takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach and incorporates lived-experience perspectives.
Duration: 11 hours
Cost: $875; $35 add-on for CEs (group rates available; tuition remission available for qualified Drexel employees)
Start Date: Wednesday, June 25, 12:00-1:00 PM ET
Duration: Wednesday, June 25 - Wednesday, August 6, 2025
SPIRIT-ID/A is approved to offer up to 11 hours continuing education credits (CEC/CEU) through the American Psychological Association (APA), Pennsylvania State Board of Social Work (PA SBSW), and International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Microcredential Available
For group rates or tuition remission, please email the training team.
Cost: $875; $35 add-on for CEs (group rates available; tuition remission available for qualified Drexel employees)
Start Date: Wednesday, June 25, 12:00-1:00 PM ET
Duration: Wednesday, June 25 - Wednesday, August 6, 2025
SPIRIT-ID/A is approved to offer up to 11 hours continuing education credits (CEC/CEU) through the American Psychological Association (APA), Pennsylvania State Board of Social Work (PA SBSW), and International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Microcredential Available
For group rates or tuition remission, please email the training team.
Learning Concepts:
Participants who complete the program will be able to:
Participants who complete the program will be able to:
- Identify core features and individual differences of autism that can impact mental health treatment
- Articulate key differences and similarities in how to apply CBT to treat co-occurring mental health conditions in those with autism and/or ID
- Demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge to the treatment of mental health conditions among those with autism and/or ID
Format:
SPIRIT-ID/A is a fully online training with three (3) learning modules, totaling seven (7) sessions of alternating live and on-demand learning content.
Module 1: Welcome and Introduction to Autism and IDD
SPIRIT-ID/A is a fully online training with three (3) learning modules, totaling seven (7) sessions of alternating live and on-demand learning content.
Module 1: Welcome and Introduction to Autism and IDD
- July 9, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM ET, live session (learn with the instructors and other trainees)
- Week of June 26 – July 8, on-demand session (learn on your own time)
- June 25, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM ET live session
- July 23, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM ET, live session
- July 10 - July 22, on-demand session
- Week of July 24 - August 5, 2025, on-demand session
- August 6, 2025, 12:00-1:00 PM ET, live session
Course Prerequisites:
Familiarity with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles
Familiarity with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles
The upcoming cohort will be lead by:
Dena Gassner, PhD, MSW
she/her/hers
Co-Developer and Instructor
Bio
Dr. Dena Gassner is a Senior Research Scientist at Drexel University and is a member of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) aiding the White House in identifying and addressing autism research. Her research has focused on barriers to accessing Social Security Disability for first time, late diagnosed autistic applicants. She has also participated in multiple other projects including co-chairing the AIR-P autistic researcher’s team, research on mental and physical health challenges for autistic and other IDD populations. She identifies as an autistic researcher and is the parent to two neurodivergent adults. |
Allison Nahmias, MEd, PhD
She/her/hers
Co-Developer and Instructor
Bio
Dr. Allison Nahmias is a NY and PA licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of autism science and practice for nearly 20 years in a variety of clinical and research settings across the US (including schools, hospitals, and outpatient clinics). She has expertise in empirically-supported treatments targeting anxiety, OCD, tics, executive dysfunction, and social challenges, as well as co-occurring mental health disorders in autistic individuals. In both her clinical work and research, she is passionate about expanding access for autistic individuals to evidence-based interventions that are effective and sustainable in community settings. |
Tamara Rosen, PhD
she/her/hers
Instructor |
Interested in SPIRIT-ID/A? Click the button below to register. Registration for the upcoming cohort is open.
The last day to register is June 20, 2025.
The last day to register is June 20, 2025.
For more information about SPIRIT-ID/A, click "Request Information" and complete the form.
The SCTL team will follow up with you.
The SCTL team will follow up with you.
|
|
