Mental Health and Autism: Towards Empowerment and Wellbeing

Course Description

Welcome to this groundbreaking course on "Mental Health and Autism: Towards Empowerment and Wellbeing," offered by CurtinX. This innovative and comprehensive program is designed to address the critical intersection of autism and mental health, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for autistic individuals and those who support them.

In this course, you'll embark on a transformative journey that celebrates neurodiversity while equipping you with the tools to promote positive mental health outcomes. Drawing from cutting-edge research and real-world experiences, we'll explore the unique challenges and strengths associated with autism, focusing on how to foster resilience, self-advocacy, and overall wellbeing.

What students will learn

• A deep understanding of monotropism as a theory of autism and its impact on daily life
• Insights into interoception and how to recognize internal sensory signals
• The relationship between sensory overload and mental health in autistic individuals
• Strategies for developing and maintaining mental fitness
• Identification and prevention of autistic burnout
• Effective techniques for self-care and self-advocacy
• Methods to enhance social connections and communication skills
• Approaches to requesting accommodations and promoting a positive autistic identity

Prerequisites

This course is designed as an introductory level program and does not require any specific prerequisites. It is open to anyone interested in learning about autism and mental health, including autistic individuals, family members, caregivers, professionals, and students.

Course Content

• Monotropism and its impact on autistic cognition
• Interoception and internal sensory processing
• Sensory overload and its effects on mental health
• Mental fitness strategies tailored for autistic individuals
• Risk factors and prevention of autistic burnout
• Self-care techniques and self-advocacy skills
• Social connection and communication styles
• Requesting accommodations in various settings
• Developing a positive autistic identity

Who this course is for

• Autistic individuals seeking to better understand and support their own mental health
• Family members, friends, and caregivers of autistic people
• Mental health professionals and healthcare providers
• Educators and support staff working with autistic students
• Researchers and students in psychology, neuroscience, and related fields
• Anyone interested in learning more about autism and mental health

Real-world Applications

• Autistic individuals can implement strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and improve overall wellbeing
• Caregivers and professionals can provide more effective support and create more inclusive environments
• Educators can develop more accommodating and supportive classroom strategies
• Mental health professionals can tailor their approaches to better serve autistic clients
• Employers can create more autism-friendly workplaces and practices
• Researchers can gain insights to inform future studies and interventions

Syllabus

• Module 1: Autism, cognitive processing and mental health
• Module 2: Autism, the senses and mental health
• Module 3: Social connections
• Module 4: Strategies and self-advocacy

Join us in this empowering course and gain the knowledge and tools to promote positive mental health outcomes for autistic individuals. Together, we'll work towards a more inclusive and understanding world that celebrates neurodiversity and supports the wellbeing of all.