Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the presentation of diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
2. Identify the limitations of trauma-informed care for autistic adults.
3. Recognize a neurodivergent-affirming approach, utilizing techniques consistent with the SAFE-A model.

 

Presenter Bio:

Kelly Capitini (they/them) is a Doctoral Candidate in the Doctor of Social Work orogram at the University of Kentucky. They hold a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and a Master of Science in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University, with advanced training in perinatal mental health and clinical social work.

Mx. Capitini serves as an instructor of sociology, psychology, and social work, teaching in both in-person and online higher education settings. They also provide direct therapy services in community mental health and behavioral health integration settings, primarily working with diverse clients from underserved communities in Central Ohio. Their academic and professional work reflects a strong commitment to ethics-informed practice through interdisciplinary and multi-systemic approaches.

Their current research focuses on perinatal healthcare equity and the development of neurodivergent-affirming models of care. Mx. Capitini’s doctoral capstone project examines the limitations of traditional trauma-informed care frameworks in addressing neurodivergent experiences of trauma and shame. Their work advances an anti-ableist model of care that centers sensory needs, communication differences, and power dynamics across neurotypes, with particular attention to reducing disparities for autistic birthing parents.

Mx. Capitini has delivered professional and community presentations on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as well as prenatal and postpartum care. They are a board-licensed independent social worker in Ohio and hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification through Postpartum Support International.

 

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.