March 12–13, 2026
Speaker
Sandra Burkhardt, Ph.D., ABPP
Therapist at Children’s Resource Group and parenting consultant for neurodiverse families
About Dr. Sandra Burkhardt
Dr. Sandra Burkhardt is a licensed clinical psychologist and board certified in Clinical and Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan. A graduate of DePaul University in Chicago, she has over 35 years of experience working with neurodiverse children and their families. She is a part-time staff therapist at Children’s Resource Group in Indianapolis and a parenting consultant for neurodiverse families.
Symposium
Speaking ‘Spectrum: Assessment and Treatment Strategies to Better Serve Autistic Adults (Level 1)
Sandra Burkhardt, Ph.D., ABPP, and Anna Merrill, Ph.D.
Thursday, March 12 | 10:55AM to 11:55AM| 60 MINUTES | LIVE
This symposium presentation, Speaking ‘Spectrum: Assessment and Treatment Strategies to Better Serve Autistic Adults (Level 1), addresses the growing need for ASD-informed and affirming evaluation and treatment practices for autistic adults, recognizing the critical role families play in their health and wellness. Drawing on evidence-based research and practice-derived strategies, Drs. Burkhardt and Merrill present consumer-friendly data and ASD-informed modifications to assessment and therapy, alongside a developing model to recruit early career providers into this field. With decades of experience in parent consultation, school district collaboration, and clinical leadership, the presenters highlight how integrating neurodivergent perspectives with clinical frameworks fosters more inclusive, effective care. The session emphasizes comparing neurodevelopmental and neurodivergent approaches, sharing practical strategies for clinicians and caregivers, and promoting greater understanding, acceptance, and engagement of autistic adults in educational, therapeutic, and community contexts.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Objective 1:
Learners will compare and contrast a neurodevelopmental framework and a neurodivergent framework for assessing and intervening with autistic adults with Level 1 ASD diagnosis. Co-existing mental health conditions as a focus of treatment will be identified. Intersectionality of neurodiversity with other diversity categories will be included.
Objective 2:
Learners will be able to state 3 risks and benefits of identifying and disclosing an adult autism diagnosis.
Objective 3:
Learners will be able to identify 5 assessment and treatment strategies for engaging autistic adults (diagnosed or suspected) in educational and clinical services.
Objective 4:
Learners will be able to identify 3 levels of strategic help and resources families of autistic adults can provide.
Elevate Your Impact is Catalight’s annual virtual conference, dedicated to advancing person-centered care for individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities (I/DDs). Offering continuing education 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 an opportunity to connect with thought leaders, gain insights and optimize care outcomes in behavioral health.