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: Tuesday, September 16, 2025,3:00-4:00 PM
Duration: September 12 - October 28, 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: Tuesday, September 16, 2025,3:00-4:00 PM
Duration: September 12 - October 28, 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
- September 12, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM, live session (learn with the instructors and other trainees)
- Week of September 22-26, 2025, on-demand session (learn on your own time)
- September 30, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM, live session
- Week of October 6-10, 2025, on-demand session
- October 14, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM ET, live session
- Week of October 20-24, 2025, on-demand session
- October 28, 2025, 3:00-4:00 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. |
Tamara Rosen, PhD
she/her/hers
Instructor
Bio
Tamara Rosen, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and assistant professor at the Drexel University College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Her interests are in expanding access to evidence-based assessment and mental health services for neurodivergent individuals. Dr. Rosen is also passionate about increasing neuroaffirming care in medical settings. Dr. Rosen is a licensed clinical psychologist. She has expertise in providing CBT to autistic and neurotypical individuals and differential diagnostic assessment of autism and co-occurring challenges. Her research examines the efficacy and effectiveness of CBT for autistic individuals with anxiety. In addition, her research examines the phenomenology and assessment of co-occurring psychiatric symptoms in autism, with a focus on depression and anxiety. Dr. Rosen received her BA in psychology from Binghamton University, and her PhD in clinical psychology from Stony Brook University. She completed her predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship with JFK Partners and the Children’s Hospital of Colorado at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. |
Ashley Dubin, PhD, BCBA
She/her/hers
Instructor
Bio
Ashley Dubin, PhD, BCBA is a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst in the Clinical Core of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. She has expertise in assessment and intervention for individuals with a range of developmental, social-emotional, learning, and behavioral diagnoses and differences, including autism spectrum disorder. She has experience providing clinical, supervision, and training/consultative services as well as assisting with research and program evaluation initiatives focused on ways to best support neurodivergent individuals and their families across academic, medical, and community settings. |
Interested in SPIRIT-ID/A? Click the button below to register. Registration for the upcoming cohort is open.
The last day to register is September 10, 2025, 5:00 PM ET.
The last day to register is September 10, 2025, 5:00 PM ET.
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.
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