DDS Presents-Change Is Hard. Independence Is Worth It: Motivational Interviewing for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum with Suzy Langevin, LICSW, LADC I

Change Is Hard. Independence Is Worth It:

Motivational Interviewing for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum

October 14, 21, & 28, 2026 from 9:30am-11:30am

Suzy Langevin, LICSW, LADC I

There are two things that are true about change: It’s hard, and it’s inevitable. The ‘hard’ part is especially true for individuals on the autism spectrum, since adherence to sameness is a diagnostic indicator. The ‘inevitable’ part is often thrown into sharp relief when individuals transition from school-based to community-based support with more independence, more choice… and more opportunities to disengage from services. That disengagement can take a variety of forms, and often looks ‘stuck’… lack of investment in any particular goals, or even in receiving services in the first place. This ‘stuck’ feeling can frustrate or even overwhelm individuals, families, and providers. In this three-part workshop, providers will have the opportunity to learn and practice Motivational Interviewing, a collaborative style of conversation designed to uncover and strengthen and individual’s own desire and confidence in their ability to make the changes that will enable their success as they transition to greater independence.

·       The rationale for using MI as an intervention to support behavior change in young adults.

·       The principles of MI Spirit and grounding in a person-centered guiding rather than directive practice.

·       How to use reflective listening skills.

·       The importance of “change talk” and strategies to enhance it. 

·       How “sustain talk” and “discord” can get in the way of change, and how to navigate them.

This training will blend didactic discussion, ‘real-play’ practice and case consultation to give practitioners concrete approaches to take into their next conversations.

YOUR TRAINER:

Suzy Langevin, LICSW, LADC I, AVP of Continuing Education and Professional Development at Open Sky Community Services, is committed to making the best evidence-based tools and supports available to both Open Sky employees and the broader provider community through the Bridge Training Institute. Ms. Langevin has presented regionally and nationally on implementing evidence-based treatment modalities, including the Stephanie Moulton Symposium, NAADAC National Webinar Series, and the Massachusetts Psychiatric Rehabilitation Collaborative Annual Conference. She has extensive training and fidelity coding experience in Motivational Interviewing and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).

She had provided training and consultation in a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to mental health providers, school systems, community groups and state agencies, where feedback has included, “Suzy is very knowledgeable and provides practical insight on how to apply the skill learned in real life situations. Her training approach is upbeat, engaging, and informative.”

In her more than decade long tenure at Open Sky, she served as Director of Dual Diagnosis Services, where she developed a model for services for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders within the agency’s community mental health programming. She also previously worked to implement and supervise the provision of Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) services across adult and adolescent treatment settings and the development and opening of The Bridge Counseling Center, Open Sky’s outpatient division. In 2014, Ms. Langevin was awarded the ABH Excellence in Outcomes Award as a member of the CR for PTSD group. She was selected to the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Worcester Class of 2021.

In addition to her work at Open Sky, Ms. Langevin has experience in a diverse range of settings, including emergency mental health, juvenile justice, residential treatment, and hospital inpatient care.