This workshop will provide information designed to help social workers and other mental health professionals understand and support neurodiverse young adults of color. Participants will learn about different neurodiverse conditions. In addition, participants will be introduced to strategies and interventions designed to support neurodiverse individuals of color.
Course Objectives:
- Participants will learn about the trends related to young adults on the Autism Spectrum.
- Participants will learn about autism and intersectionality.
- Participants will learn about the trends for young adults of color on the Autism Spectrum.
- Participants will learn about utilizing strengths-based language and interventions.
- Participants will learn practical strategies for supporting young adults who identify as being on the Autism Spectrum.
Fees:
- Member: $20
- Nonmember: $30
About the Speakers:
Dr. Debra Waters-Roman (EdD, LCSW, LCP) currently serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Prior to joining USC, Dr. Waters-Roman was employed with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services for over 30 years. Dr. Waters-Roman has trained extensively on a variety of topics related to the field of public child welfare. In her current position at USC, Dr. Waters-Roman works with students placed at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. In addition, as both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Waters-Roman provides a variety of mental health services to trauma survivors and their families. In addition, she works with children on the Autism Spectrum and their families, and has conducted research on teaching social skills to individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Dr. Waters-Roman also sits on the Autism Committee for USC.
Tina Paddock, MSW, LCSW is a Clinical Associate Professor at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. Prior to USC, Ms. Paddock was a program specialist at the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. She has also provided mental health services to children and families involved in public child welfare and with special needs. Ms. Paddock also has an interest working with neurodiverse children and adults. She was the Wellness Program Manager for South Central Los Angeles Regional Center and sits on the Autism Committee for USC. In 2007, Ms. Paddock was appointed to the Los Angeles County Commission for Child and Families by the Board of Supervisors and chaired the Childhood Wellness Committee. Currently she sits on the NASW-CA Chapter Board as Vice-President of Membership. She is also pursuing her Doctor in Policy, Planning, and Program Development at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy and is interested in the integration of micro and macro practice.
Please contact Mario Espitia at mespitia.naswca@socialworkers.org for any questions.
