Keynote Speaker: Dr. Sandra Salazar

Dr. Sandra Salazar has spent over 25 years in various roles as an educator and counseling professional. She has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and has contributed to research advocating for neurodiversity awareness. She has received extensive training in clinical evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of: ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Selective Mutism, and Learning Differences.

She enjoys providing supervision, education, consultation and development of other counseling professionals in the mental health field. Dr. Salazar uses an integrative developmental approach to therapy incorporating expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), Christian counseling, existentialism as well as other evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Salazar is regularly requested as a guest speaker to present on mental health in schools, autism and learning differences, substance use, family wellness and more. She is a member of the following professional organizations: American Counseling Association with a divisional membership in Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling. She is also a member of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA) with a specialization in Counselor Education and Supervision, Christian Counseling Association of Texas (CCTX), as well as the Association of
Mental Health Professionals (AMHP). She also holds a Dialectical Behavior Therapy National Certification and Accreditation Association (DBTNCAA). She became a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) in 2021.

She practices self-care by spending time with God, her family and friends, daily walks, swimming, and attending sporting events. She loves traveling with her husband, meeting new people, while seeing the world. When faced with adversity, she finds her strength in her faith, scriptures and prayer.

Above all, Dr. Salazar believes in the hope our Lord provides over fear and possibilities over problems!

During this workshop clinicians will become educated in the academic, vocational, emotional and social challenges people with autism spectrum. Participants will be introduced to the concept of “soft and hard signs” and red flags in recognizing autism. Mimicking conditions will be reviewed that often mislead clinicians into an inaccurate diagnosis. The three various levels of autism will be discussed and appropriate ways to properly address their needs. Various reasons why clients with autism spectrum may come for help will be discussed along with helpful tips to support the individual as well as the family. Some assessment tools to be familiar with in measuring traits or screening for autism will be mentioned. What counselors can do in their practices to assist the autism spectrum community will be explored.

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