Description
Exploring Depression and Beating the Blues is a treatment programme we wrote in 2016 as a self-help guide for autistic adolescents and adults who are suffering depression. The original treatment programme was designed over 6 years for autistic people, in consultation with autistic people. The result is a treatment for depression based on current best practice guidelines but modified for autistic people. Since 2016 we have learned a lot! Based on our new learning and neurodiversity-affirming practice we have thoroughly revised and updated our programme. We cover:
- How the signs of and reasons for depression may differ for an autistic person
- Strategies and ideas found to be useful for autistic people
- How autistic burnout and depression differ and the different strategies needed for recovery for each condition
- How to adapt CBT for autistic people to optimise treatment success, for example, how to treat problems with interoception and alexithymia that often underpin depression
- An eclectic approach because CBT is not always helpful for autistic people
Exploring Depression can be delivered as an individual or group therapy programme or can be utilised as a self-help guide at home, with the assistance of a carer or family member if depression is mild or moderate. The course is designed to be beneficial for clinicians, parents and partners but would also be useful for an autistic teenager or adult.
Trailer
Testimonials
‘It was a brilliant and informative presentation; I feel enlightened and equipped with new information to help my family. Thanks so much!’
‘Thank you for presenting research data and practice anecdotes. It was very informative.’
‘The additional resources, recommendations, and research provided add additional support and relevance to my work.’
‘The flow was good and kept everything cohesive. I found I wasn’t bored at all, which speaks a lot given that I am bored easily if my interest isn’t kept piqued.’
About the speakers
Prof Tony Attwood PhD With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Holding an Honour’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, and a PhD from the University of London, his credentials are a testament to his expertise. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Professor Attwood’s impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.
Alongside Dr Michelle Garnett, Professor Attwood co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, driven by the shared goal of enhancing autism awareness and understanding. Their shared vision seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding autism to create a world where autism is embraced, and the diverse strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals are celebrated. This transformative narrative fosters a more inclusive and accepting society, benefitting all its members.
Renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, Professor Attwood has authored numerous publications on the subject. His seminal book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals debuted in 1998, resonated globally and has since found its voice in over 25 languages, making his insights accessible across cultures and continents.
With a dedicated commitment to practical application, he has run a private practice for 30 years, only recently closing his books due to a long waiting list. Beyond his clinical work, he dedicates significant time to travel, sharing insights and knowledge through workshops and seminars across national and international platforms.
Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of specialising in autism. In 2005, she founded Minds & Hearts, a clinic specialised to autism, where she served as Clinical and Managing Director for 14 years until 2019. Alongside Tony Attwood she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, aiming to enhance autism awareness and understanding with a vision to foster a neuro-affirming community.
In addition to her extensive private practice, Dr Garnett has significantly contributed to autism research, authored influential books, and engaged in impactful speaking engagements. Her peer-reviewed research has informed our understanding of early autism identification, the female autism profile, and the link between mental health and positive outcomes in autistic individuals. She has co-authored six respected books on autism, including the influential Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism (2018) with Barb Cook, a seminal work on the female autism experience. Her recent books, Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum offer invaluable guidance to parents of young autistic children.
Dr Garnett is a sought-after presence in academic circles, presenting as a Keynote Speaker at conferences and conducting workshops, seminars, and training sessions on autism across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Her influence extends to universities, autism organisations, government, and non-governmental bodies, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the autism field. Dr Garnett is autistic and has ADHD, late diagnosed.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the training, the participant will gain:
Knowledge of an eclectic treatment for depression, modified for autistic people, developed by two clinicians (one AuDHD) with over 80 years of combined experience, in consultation with autistic adolescents and adults.
The latest research on autism and depression including studies on prevalence, treatments, including pharmacotherapy, and assessment tools.
How to recognize and assess both the conventional signs of depression and the signs of depression specific to autistic adolescents and adults.
How to adapt the planning and delivery of therapy for autistic people, for example, considering alexithymia, interoception, high levels of emotional empathy, use of camouflaging and difficulties with concept of self.
The reasons an autistic person may develop depression.
Knowledge of available resources to facilitate emotion education, communication of the inner self, and self-regulation relevant to depression, and how to source them.
What You Will Receive
- The Live Training runs for 5.5 hours
- There is an opportunity for Q&A with Michelle and Tony throughout the day
- Downloadable Handouts to complement the course
- You may count 5.5 hours toward your CPD hours
- All attendees will be given access to the recording for 60 days after the event (accessed via the Member Dashboard). A once-off 30-day extension is available. See our FAQs for further information.
- Certificate of Attendance (upon request)
Within 24 hours, you will receive an email with your login credentials for the new Member Dashboard. If you haven’t received these details after 48 hours, please email events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com
The email will come from events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com and may go to your junk/spam/promotions folders.
Alternatively, make newsletter@attwoodandgarnettevents.com a Contact in your email contact list to ensure that you do not miss anything from us.
Discounts/Cancellation/Refund Policy
Please Note: The quickest and easiest way to book is online.
Discount: If you are a full time student requiring a discount please enquire about our student rate and send in a photocopy of your student ID card or if you are facing hardship please email events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com to apply for a discount.
For Cancellations: Up to 7 days notice payment will be refunded, minus a $50 administrative fee. At less than 7 days notice there will be no refund, but a credit note with Attwood and Garnett Events for future events, minus $50, will be issued. Attendance is fully transferable.
