What are we afraid of? Often, we fear the unknown - things that are different or difficult to understand. As a result, autistic individuals are frequently the focus of school threat assessment investigations. To the neurotypical eye, autistic behaviors can seem unusual, and unfamiliar behavior is sometimes misinterpreted as threatening.

Dr. Leite, a psychologist specializing in threat assessment and behavior management, has encountered a disproportionate number of referrals involving individuals who are socially different from their peers, have been diagnosed with autism, or exhibit behaviors that make others uneasy.

In this training, Dr. Leite will provide an overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its relationship to crime, carefully distinguish between ASD and psychopathic behavior, and use research to identify factors that contribute to varying levels of risk. Participants will also analyze case studies to apply their learning.

The final hour of the training will be led by NWESD 189 School Safety and Wellness Center staff, who will guide discussions on integrating this knowledge into school safety efforts. The goal is to develop strategies that address the intersection of school safety and neurodivergence, fostering safer, more inclusive learning environments that support the unique needs of neurodivergent students.

Please Note: If you wish to pay the registration fee with a purchase order, please contact Sherri Mamea at smamea@nwesd.org. Thank you!