DBT and ASD: Adaptations to Engage and Empower Autistic Adults

Co-occurring psychiatric disorders are common in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Nisonger Center clinicians share development and pilot of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills group for college-aged participants with ASD. Krainz Edison and Menssen will discuss the various adaptations that were made to enhance engagement and processing while maintaining therapeutic fidelity. Participants will be able to state the benefits of utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy in a group setting with young adults with autism and identify how DBT skills and strategies support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.