How Parents Experience Profound Autism: One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Join a discussion hosted by Catalight and Behavioral Health Business that explores parent experiences with profound autism.

Profound autism is far more common than autism accompanied by exceptional intellectual ability. Today, 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, according to the CDC. Of that group, per data from the National Council on Severe Autism, between 30 and 50% of parents will learn that their child’s autism is severe or profound and complicated by co-occurring intellectual disability – resulting in the need for their child to have lifelong care.

Engage with Catalight’s Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, Ed.D., MSCP, and Jackie Kancir, executive director of the National Council on Severe Autism, as they discuss profound autism and the experience of parents and families navigating the diagnosis. Gain insights on the diagnostic process, information families should know and the state of care for children with the diagnosis.


Key takeaways include:

  • The prevalence of profound autism and its growth over recent decades
  • Current research on the causes of profound autism and co-occurring diagnoses
  • The state of policy and advocacy work around profound autism
  • Steps families should take after diagnosis
  • Recommendations for navigating the care journey and its transitions, such as from childhood to adult care

Speakers

Doreen Samelson EdD, MSCP
Chief Clinical Officer of Catalight

Jackie Kancir
Executive Director of the National Council on Severe Autism

Event Details

Date:

September 17, 2024


Time:

11:00 am-12:00 pm PT


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Hosted by

Elevate Your Impact 2025

is Catalight’s flagship virtual conference, dedicated to advancing person-centered care for individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Formerly known as “Enhance Your Impact,” this event is now open to all licensed and certified practitioners, while remaining free for Catalight in-network practitioners.

Offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to those who qualify, the conference features a dynamic mix of live sessions and on-demand content, providing a flexible learning experience. Elevate Your Impact is the premier opportunity to connect with thought leaders, gain insights, and optimize care outcomes in behavioral health.

About One Size Doesn’t Fit All

When it comes to caring for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, one size does not fit all. Catalight, one of the largest behavioral health networks in the United States, advocates for personalized approaches that give options in care and strives to innovate beyond the standard in search of greater wellbeing for the individuals and families it supports.

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