On-Demand CE Training
EP 412: ACT for Real Life: Helping Kids Navigate Big Feelings & Social Storms
Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.
1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:
Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 Clinical Continuing Education Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work- 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners- 1 Contact Hour
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – This course is not approved for NAADAC contact hours.
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – This course is not approved for Nursing contact hours.
Case Managers
CCMC – This course is not approved for CCMC contact hours.
Important Notice: The podcast included in this continuing education course was originally published by Behavioral Health Today and is used with permission. Continuing education credit is available only through successful completion of the CEU Creations course requirements, including any required assessments or evaluations. Listening to the podcast through Behavioral Health Today or any other platform does not qualify for CE credit.
Created On: 7/22/26
Target Audience:
This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, and nurses.
Instructional Level:
Beginner
Overview:
Traditional social-skills instruction often focuses on teaching children what to do without adequately addressing why relationships matter or how to respond when social interactions do not go as expected. In this continuing education course, Melissa Connor-Santos, MA, BCBA, explores how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can enhance behavioral and social-emotional interventions for children with autism and other behavioral differences.
Participants will examine practical strategies for helping children understand difficult emotions, develop more flexible self-narratives, and engage in values-guided behavior during challenging social situations. Integrating principles from ACT and Applied Behavior Analysis, the course emphasizes compassionate, ethical, and strengths-based approaches to emotional regulation, social connection, and long-term psychological well-being.
Outline:
- Introduction and Guest Background
- Limitations of Traditional Social-Skills Instruction
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Fundamentals
- Integrating ACT and ABA
- Managing Big Feelings and Social Challenges
- Addressing Unhelpful Self-Narratives
- Values-Guided and Strengths-Based Practice
- Clinical Applications and Future Directions
Course Objectives:
By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
- Describe how core Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles can be incorporated into social-skills and behavioral interventions for children with autism and behavioral differences.
- Identify at least three strategies for helping children respond flexibly to intense emotions, unhelpful self-narratives, and unexpected social outcomes.
- Apply a values-based, strengths-focused framework to develop interventions that support emotional regulation, meaningful social connection, and long-term well-being.
Guest:
Melissa Connor-Santos, MA, BCBA, Founder and CEO of Oceanview Behavior Solutions
With over 15 years of experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and education, Melissa Connor-Santos brings both clinical expertise and compassionate leadership to her work with professionals, schools, and families. She is known for her collaborative, strengths-based approach and her ability to make complex practices both ethical and effective in real-world settings.
In addition to her professional roles, Melissa is also a parent to a child with a behavioral disorder: an experience that brings a deeply personal understanding to her work. This dual perspective allows her to mentor with empathy, consult with nuance, and connect with families and professionals in meaningful, authentic ways.