Depression and Suicidal Behavior in Autism: Evidence-Based Interventions for BCBAs presented by Dr. Katie Saint | 2 Ethics BCBA CEU Credits

This presentation equips Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBAs®) to assess and treat co-occurring depression and suicidal behavior within an applied behavior analytic framework. Participants will explore how mental health challenges manifest alongside Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), analyze suicidal behavior through both positive and negative reinforcement contingencies (“move toward” vs. “move away from” functions), and conduct essential risk assessments. The course emphasizes practical, behavioral interventions—including values-based action planning, identifying experiential avoidance, cognitive/covert behavior training via Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) concepts, physical activity integration, and social skill development—to produce meaningful neurochemical and behavioral changes that support long-term well-being.

ACE Provider

ACE Provider Information
Provider Name: Behavior Analyst CE
Provider Type: Organization
Provider Number: OP-23-10561
Next Renewal Date: 10/31/2026

Speaker

Katherine Saint, PhD, LPC, BCBA-D

Katherine has her doctorate in Behavior Analysis and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Katherine presents locally and internationally on topics related to autism, mental health, and behavior analysis. Katherine has a private practice focusing on mental health counseling and is the Director of Training at Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program in Appleton, WI. Katherine has designed college courses as well as published books and articles related to mental health. Katherine also teaches master-level behavior analytic courses at Pepperdine University.

Requirement Category	Meets Requirement (✔)	Evidence / Description
Published Peer-Reviewed Research or Books on the Subject	☑ Yes	Co-author of Autism and Depression (2020), directly addressing co-occurring autism and depression. Also co-author of Awkward: The Social Dos and Don’ts of Being a Young Adult (2018), contributor to Autism in Lockdown (2020), and presenter on translating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training (ACT) concepts into ABA terminology.
≥ 5 Years of Practical Experience *(e.g., direct service delivery, applied practice, professional engagement)*	☑ Yes	More than 15 years of applied clinical and behavioral experience working with depression, anxiety, trauma, ASD, PTSD, mood disorders, crisis situations, self-harm, and other mental-health and behavioral concerns. She has provided outpatient counseling, developed treatment and behavior plans, conducted functional analyses, and integrated autism and mental-health treatment.
≥ 3 Years Teaching / Training / Mentoring Experience	☑ Yes	Extensive teaching and training experience, including serving as Training Director at Fox Valley Autism; training master’s-, bachelor’s-, and entry-level therapists; developing a three-year ABA training curriculum and modules for approximately 400 therapists; providing parent-training webinars; teaching undergraduate ABA courses; and serving as a graduate/teaching assistant at The Chicago School.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Identify behavioral indicators of depression and suicide risk in individuals with autism, including changes in behavior, social engagement, and daily functioning.
Describe behavioral principles and strategies for addressing depression and suicidal behavior, including functional considerations, environmental supports, and proactive interventions.
Identify behavior-analytic interventions that promote psychological well-being, including values-based goal setting, emotional regulation, social skills development, and adaptive coping strategies.