CRISIS INTERVENTION (CR) 

Required - 8 hours.

Training within this category focus on strategies to ensure the health and safety of children with autism in situations that are above and beyond the use of strategies detailed in the Behavior Support Plan.

Training in this section count toward the 8 hours of Crisis Intervention training within the Act 62 Behavior Specialist License requirements.

This presentation focuses on defining a Mental Health Crisis, what forms a mental health crisis takes in individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorders, and ways to prevent and provide emotional and behavior support using a Least Restrictive Treatment Model, including the use of PRN medications. Also included in the presentation are the “Do’s and Don’ts” of a therapeutic environment and effective way to use Therapeutic Communication to de-escalate Crisis situations, and samples of non-restrictive relaxation and calming programs.

This training addresses ABA.

Credit Hour: 1

The workshop focuses on providing an understanding of the influences of skill deficits and psychiatric diagnoses on learning and behavior. The presentation addresses issues regarding mental health and physiological and medical factors that may influence behavior. The session includes: applying Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) beyond the observable (Internal drives); principles of positive behavior support; and designing positive behavior support plans to prevent and reduce crisis situations.

This training addresses ABA.

Credit Hours: 1.5

This workshop focuses on incorporating positive approaches in crisis situations. This presentation addresses past practice and current trends in supporting individuals with ASD, as well as identifying components of Wellness Recovery Action Plan and Trauma Informed Care. The workshop  also includes: differentiating challenging behavior from psychiatric symptoms; developing a Least Restrictive Treatment Model for prevention crisis; and briefing following a crisis event.

This training addresses ABA.

Credit Hours: 1.5

This training guides First Responders in helping individuals with autism in emergency and crisis situations.

Credit Hours: 0.5

This training provides an overview of the Enterprise Incident Management system and a review of BAS incident reporting requirements.

Credit Hour: 1

THIS TRAINING IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Those who have previously completed all the course requirements can access their Certificate of Achievement below.

Inpatient hospitalization may be a consideration for individuals with ASD when: the behaviors become dangerous, the treatments are not successful, the range of medications increase without benefit, the diagnostic picture is unclear, and there is a need for more comprehensive assessment and treatment. The Bureau of Autism Services collaborated with the Merck Inpatient Unit at WPIC, UPMC, Pittsburgh to design a Bio-Behavioral Track for this specialized service.

Credit Hours: 1.5

This presentation describes the Bio-Behavioral Inpatient program for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) at Western Psychiatric Institute, which is based on best practice, focused on outcomes, and centered on family and consumer needs.

**This course also qualifies toward the Instructional Strategies and Best Practices category (IS304) and Family Collaboration category (FC304) but can only be applied toward one category.**

Credit Hours: 1.5

This presentation is designed to challenge the thought behind the traditional policy of automatic referral to Crisis Intervention and/or hospitalization for behaviors related to potential harm to self or others. A relationship‐based approach is presented as an alternative. This training aims to ensure that all participants have at least one authentic relationship with a staff person, and that staff is well trained, comfortable with the potential topics, and that the provider supports and empowers the staff person to make meaningful decisions. Also explored are the ways in which hospitalization can serve as a reinforcer to maladaptive coping skills as well as challenging behaviors. Special attention is paid to ensuring that the emphasis is on crisis prevention, and ensuring that providers do not inadvertently create crisis through policy.

This training addresses ABA.

Credit Hours: 2

When a participant is voluntarily or involuntarily hospitalized following significant behavioral challenges or a crisis event, a multidisciplinary team approach is needed to ensure a smooth and successful transition back to the participant's home and community. This training provides attendees with a framework for successful discharge planning and dispels myths associated with supporting individuals during and after the transition.

This training addresses ABA.

Credit Hours: 1