ACT Spring Workshop Series

Using ACT Collaboratively with Autistic Adults to Improve Wellbeing

Led by Ty Aller, Ph.D., LMFT

 
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to enhance psychological flexibility and overall wellbeing of individuals in therapy. Recent research indicates that ACT can be an effective framework for supporting autistic adults, particularly when delivered more collaboratively. This workshop will provide an overview of the mental health needs and experiences of autistic adults in Utah, including current trends in wellbeing and barriers to equitable care. Next, participants will be provided a brief overview of the evidence on ACT with autistic adults. Lastly, a six-session ACT protocol, co-developed with autistic adults to enhance wellbeing will be presented. Participants will apply and refine adapted ACT techniques from the six-session protocol, deepening their ability to use ACT collaboratively and responsively in real-world scenarios. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have gained both conceptual understanding and direct experience in implementing ACT interventions that support autistic adults in pursuing meaningful, values-consistent lives.
ACT workshop session with Mike Twohig giving a presentation

Instructor

Ty B. Aller, PhD LMFT is a Research Assistant Professor for the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and is a Researcher housed in the Institute for Disability, Research, Policy, and Practice at Utah State University. Dr. Aller deeply values collaborating with self-advocates to adapt programming to better meet their unique needs. Dr. Aller has co-adapted ACT protocols with autistic adults to convert to in-person services and digital mental health interventions including the Valued Living and Valued Living Lite programs. Throughout each project, Dr. Aller's work emphasizes finding ways to support communities to promote mental health and improve their well-being through their own unique strengths and resources. 

Who should attend this workshop?

Professionals interested in mental health and/or behavioral science.

Address
Sorenson Legacy Center for Clinical Excellence, Room 150
Utah State University, Logan, UT
View on the USU Interactive Campus Map.

Learning Objectives

Dr. Aller’s presentation, "Using ACT Collaboratively with Autistic Adults to Improve Wellbeing”, is designed to help participants:
  1. Understand the mental health needs and experiences of autistic adults in Utah
  2. Review ethical decision making considerations in providing services among autistic adults
  3. Understand the current evidence on ACT and other mental health treatments among autistic adults
  4. Review and practice a six session ACT protocol to help improve well being among autistic adults
  5. Learn to apply a process to adaptations that help increase access to treatment
  6. Practice adapted ACT skills from the six session protocol 
Based on this workshop, participants will be able to: 
 
  1. Describe trends of health and wellbeing among autistic adults seeking mental health services
  2. Explain historical treatment of autistic adults in receiving mental health care
  3. Summarize research evidence on ACT for autistic adults in improving mental health concerns and wellbeing
  4. Summarize a six-session treatment protocol designed with autistic adults to improve wellbeing
  5. Explain 2 ways to adapt ACT interventions to better meet the needs of autistic adults
  6. State that I had the opportunity to practice ACT skills adapted with Autistic Adults 

Pricing Information

  Professionals Students
March 21, 2026 $190 $90


The registration fee includes a USU parking pass, snacks, drinks, and lunch for the workshop.

We accept registration up to the start of the workshop as space remains available. Registration will close if our capacity is reached. Refunds will be made in full until March 06, 2026 if you cancel. Refunds cannot be made after March 06, 2026. For more information contact francesca.knudsen@usu.edu.