Navigating ASD Through Adolescence

Adolescence is a challenging period for any individual, but it can be especially complex for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During this time, both boys and girls must navigate the physical changes of puberty, increasingly demanding academic pressures, and evolving social dynamics, including friendships and romantic relationships. Girls, in particular, face distinct difficulties in friendships, academics, and mental health. They may exhibit unique characteristics, such as a higher prevalence of co-occurring conditions like eating disorders and a preference for imaginative or fantasy play. This presentation will explore these experiences, the challenges they present, and the interventions that can support adolescents with ASD during this critical development stage.

Registration opens November 6th

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Presenter: Sara White, PhD, BCBA-D

Sara completed her master’s degree in applied behavior analysis at the University of the Pacific (2000) and doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Binghamton University (2005). She currently works in private practice providing behavioral and educational consultation for children with developmental disabilities and as the Clinical Director of Autism and Behavioral Services at Sendan Center, a multidisciplinary clinic for children and adolescents with behavioral health needs. She has presented at the Association for Behavior Analysis, the California Association for Behavior Analysis, and the New York Association for Behavior Analysis on topics ranging from interventions to improve employee motivation to techniques to improve acquisition rates in children with autism. She has also presented several workshops on behavior management techniques to parents, school personnel, and health care professionals. She currently works doing home, school and clinic-based consultation in Washington, Alaska and British Columbia.

Yasmin Banga, MA, PhD Candidate

Yasmin Banga is a second-year Clinical Psychology PhD student at Seattle Pacific University. Born and raised in Coquitlam, BC, she is multilingual – fluent in Punjabi, Hindi, and French. Prior to beginning her PhD, Yasmin worked on multiple research studies at the University of British Columbia and developed culturally-tailored diabetes prevention and management programs for the South Asian community. One notable initiative, Project Bhangra, a dance program, successfully improved fitness levels in children. She plans to expand her research in culturally-responsive care to support South Asian children with autism and their families. She is dedicated to serving medically-underserved and racially minoritized communities through her work in healthcare advocacy and community outreach.