Individuals with autism have an increased tendency to experience trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder compared with the general population. For those with autism, experiences with trauma may be different, and processing and treating trauma may also require an added layer of specialized support. This webinar discusses trauma experiences, as well as trauma expressions and responses among individuals with autism.
Live Webinar
Tue, Jun 16, 2026 at 12:00 pm EDTCEUs/Hours Offered: AOTA/0.1 Introductory, OT Service Delivery, Foundational Knowledge, 15940; CE Broker/1.0 CE Broker #20-1371333; IACET/0.1; NBCOT PDUs/1.25 Beginner, Rehabilitation
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to recognize the prevalence of trauma as experienced by individuals with autism.
- After this course, participants will be able to explain reasons for increased trauma experiences among individuals with autism.
- After this course, participants will be able to identify strategies to support individuals with autism who have experienced trauma.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction |
| 5-25 Minutes | What is autism?; Prevalence of trauma; Trauma exposure and autism |
| 25-45 Minutes | Clinical implications and neuro-affirming care |
| 45-55 Minutes | Resources and supports |
| 55-60 Minutes | Summary, and Q&A |
Presented By
Christina Marsack-Topolewski
PhD LMSW
Christina Marsack-Topolewski, LMSW, PhD, is a licensed social worker and an Associate Professor of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. She received her bachelor of science in Special Education from Wayne State University, a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and her PhD in Social Work with a dual title in Gerontology from Wayne State University. She has 20 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their family caregivers. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has worked as a professor, clinical therapist, teacher, consultant, and speaker. She has published over 80 research articles in scholarly journals and encyclopedias regarding individuals with disabilities, family caregiving, aging, and dementia. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has been the lead principal investigator on multiple grant-funded programs tailoring services for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and chronic illnesses. She is an appointed board member of the U.S. National Task Group (NTG) on Intellectual Disability and Dementia Practices. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski’s research has been featured on National Public Radio (NPR) and ABC News Detroit. Over the past five years, she testified before members of the Michigan Legislature to advocate for new laws that protect against the exploitation and abuse of adults with disabilities. The first of these house bills was signed into law in Michigan in December 2023. In 2024, she received the Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Research Award for Research Excellence. In addition, she received the Arc of Oakland County’s Advocacy Hall of Fame Award in 2024.
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Financial: Christina Marsack-Topolewski received an honorarium for presenting this course. She has authored publications for which she may receive royalties and has received grant funding for topics covered in this course. Non-financial: Christina Marsack-Topolewski has no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by OccupationalTherapy.com, a Continued site.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
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American Occupational Therapy Association
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