Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
with Lauren Herlihy, PhD
Wednesday, November 6
9:00 am PT/12:00 pm ET
Duration: 1.5 hours
Research shows an increased risk of suicide in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with intersectional increases in risk based on gender identity. This presentation offers concrete strategies for assessment and risk management in this population, using the Hospital for Special Care’s Autism Unit as a case example for neurodiversity-informed suicide risk reduction. We will also examine both ASD and neurodiversity in terms of strengths and weaknesses identified in individuals.
After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Define neurodiversity and its associated strengths and challenges
2. List two factors specific to the symptoms of ASD that increase suicide risk
3. List two modifications to typical suicide risk assessment that may be helpful for individuals with ASD
Speaker bio:
Lauren Herlihy, PhD
Dr. Herlihy is a licensed psychologist and director of the first autism-specific inpatient and partial hospitalization units in Connecticut. She completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Connecticut, and her internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center/YNHH Children’s Psychiatric Inpatient Service. An expert in assessment and intervention for severe behavioral problems related to autism, she also provides trainings on the unique needs of the autism population for hospitals, child protection services, law enforcement, and primary care providers.