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.

Duration: 14 hours (5, 1-hour live sessions and 4, ~2.5-hours on-demand sessions)
Cost: $950; $35 add-on for CEs (group rates available; tuition remission available for qualified Drexel employees)
Start Date: January 2027
​
Continuing Education Credits: To be announced​
​Microcredential Available

For group rates or tuition remission, please email the training team.

Learning Concepts: 
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 four (4) learning modules, totaling seven (9) sessions of alternating live and on-demand learning content.

Module 1: Welcome and Introduction to Autism and IDD

• Session 1: Training Welcome, live session (learn with the instructors and other trainees)
• Session 2: On-demand session (learn on your own time)
• Session 3: live session

​Module 2: Modifications to Behavior Approaches

• Session 4: on-demand session
• Session 5: live session

Module 3: Modifications to Cognitive Approaches

• Session 6: on-demand session
• Session 7: live session ​

Module 4: Challenging Behaviors and Lifespan Considerations

• Session 8: on-demand session
• Session 9: live session 

Course Prerequisites: 
Familiarity with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles 

​For more information about SPIRIT-ID/A, click "Request Information" and complete the form.
The SCTL team will follow up with you.

Request Information