CE Course: Autism and Social Communication Disorder

Course Description: This Seminar will present a comprehensive review of the diagnosis, treatment and current community resources for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Social Communication Disorder.  Social Communication Disorder refers to individuals who have social communication and relationships deficits but do not meet full ASD criteria. 

Comprehensive autism assessment will be explained including clinical interview, collateral information, diagnostic screenings and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). 

Regional treatment and support resources will be reviewed including initiatives with Washington County Public Schools that may also provide guidance for other parents and school systems. 

Finally, attendees will receive a toolbox of sensory/coaching/social skills techniques and training that therapists can incorporate in their practice to treat children/adults with ASD, those pending comprehensive ASD assessment and those who have diagnosed social and relationship deficits

Course Objectives:

By the end of this session, learners will:

• Increased awareness of the prevalence of autism in Western Maryland and of available assessment, treatment and support services
• Review of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process and the criteria of emotional disability and autism spectrum disorder to receive special education services
• Leave with basic tools to begin building ample therapeutic techniques to work with those displaying neurodivergent characteristics
• Have an understanding of applying different therapy modalities with tailored steps to engage clientele/students

Featuring Presenters:

J. Emmet Burke, PhD, JD Clinical Psychologist, Brook Lane. Dr. Burke holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law.

Margaret Kocak, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist providing psychological testing and therapy in the Thrive North Village and Cumberland outpatient offices. Dr. Kocak has experience diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions across the lifespan, including autism, ADHD, PTSD, and mood and anxiety disorders. Dr. Kocak received a Bachelor of Schience (B.S.) in Psychology from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. She went on to earn her Master of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Immaculata University in Malvern, PA. Dr. Kocak joined the Brook Lane medical staff in 2025.

Karley Hensley, PhD, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor who earned her Ph.D. In counseling and human behavior sciences. Dr. Hensley has 17 years of experience working in the mental health field, including residential, inpatient, partial hospitalization programs and outpatient. Dr. Hensley has a certification in child and adolescent psychology, where she has utilized her skills to work within that population, focusing on the younger children in need.  Dr. Hensley is the Director of Outpatient Services at Brook Lane where she oversees the North Village, Frederick and Cumberland locations, and recently began her oversite at Meritus Behavioral Health. When Dr. Hensley isn’t at work; you can find her as a free Uber driver for her kids or being their number one fan in the stands!