October 2023

A Month for Awareness

  • We’ve Got to Do More: Providers Seek to Close Gap in Mental Health Care for Neurodiverse People
  • 50 Years of Change: Looking at the Laws that Protect and Advance People with Autism
  • The Term Neurodiversity is Good, But Not Good Enough
  • Highlights from the First Session of Catalight’s Three-Part Webinar Series “Flexible Treatment Options: One Size Doesn’t Fit All”
Many facets of behavioral health are front and center this month as we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, World Mental Health Day and Down Syndrome Awareness Month
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Catalyst: A Catalight Newsletter Insights and innovations to help you choose your path.
October 2023
October: A Month for Awareness
Many facets of behavioral health are front and center this month as we recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month, ADHD Awareness Month, World Mental Health Day and Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As summer turns to fall, it’s a good time to reflect on the diverse experiences and strengths of individuals with developmental disabilities. We can celebrate the continuing advancements in behavioral health care and look ahead to the work that still needs to be done to remove barriers and biases to create a more equitable world.
We’ve Got to Do More: Providers Seek to Close Gap in Mental Health Care for Neurodiverse People
Depression has surged in recent years. People with autism are four times more likely to experience it during their lifetime as those without autism, but it often goes untreated. In a recent article published in Behavioral Health Business, learn how Catalight is taking steps to correct the shortage of clinicians in behavioral health care.
Read the Article
50 Years of Change: Looking at the Laws that Protect and Advance People with Autism
Before the 1970s, children with disabilities were often denied access to education. But that started to change 50 years ago and, over time, laws have increasingly sought to tear down barriers — providing equal opportunity and protection for the nation’s most vulnerable children. Learn how times have changed.
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The Term Neurodiversity is Good, But Not Good Enough
The term neurodiversity was coined by a social scientist in reference to autism. Other historical terms have been imprecise or even hurtful, but “neurodiverse” is refreshingly inclusive sounding, writes Catalight Chief Clinical Officer Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP, with co-author Lisa Ruble, PhD. Yet, it too is imperfect – often referring to individuals with high intellectual ability but leaving those with profound disabilities left out.
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Highlights from the First Session of Catalight’s Three-Part Webinar Series “Flexible Modalities of Care: One Size Doesn’t Fit All”
In the first webinar of a three-part series, we were joined by Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP, Chief Clinical Officer at Catalight, and Mitze Burnett, PsyD, MA, LMFT, MCBA, CEO of Burnett Therapeutic Services. With more than 50 years of combined experience in behavioral health care, they shared their perspectives on modalities of care for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities, why flexible, family-friendly options are critical and how the treatment landscape has evolved in recent years.
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Quick Links
Telehealth: Is it Right for Parents and Children?
When deciding whether to pursue telehealth or in-person options for behavioral health treatment (BHT), there are many factors to consider, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Catalight’s Chief Clinical Officer explores some of the critical questions that families should ask about telehealth.
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Catalight Career Advancement Services Offers a Look into Accommodations for the Neurodivergent
Contrary to popular belief, an employer doesn’t need to do or spend much in order to accommodate neurodiverse employees, and the payoffs to you and to the business are immense.
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Advanced Care Solutions for Payers
Providing predictable, timely access to high-quality behavioral health care is more complex and essential than ever. Discover how to navigate today’s waters and improve access, quality and value with vital strategic plays every payer should know. 
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