Teen Depression and Autism: Unique Challenges, Effective Strategies for Support
Upcoming Webinar
Airing Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm ET
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to recognize and respond to depression symptoms in autistic teens from our expert presenter, Sara Rodrigues, DSW, LICSW. We’ll explore practical strategies for assessment and treatment that respect sensory needs and individual communication styles. You’ll learn practical approaches to support your teen’s mental health, including building positive identity and developing personalized emotional recognition tools.
A place to learn
At Families for Depression Awareness (FFDA), we focus on the families of people living with depression or bipolar disorder ("mood disorders"), equipping family caregivers with education and training so they can provide effective, constructive support to their loved ones.
Mood disorders affect everyone in a family, not only those with the diagnosis. Each family member should be able to have their needs identified and addressed.
In addition to passing along a higher likelihood of having a mood disorder, parents living with a mood disorder can find it hard to engage with their children, take care of household chores, do their work, and sometimes even to get out of bed.
Family caregivers risk wearing themselves out as they help their loved one seek treatment, manage the household and the family, and try to keep a roof over their heads.
Since our beginning, we have shared family stories to help caregivers feel like they are not alone, show that families can address mood disorders together, inspire hope, and dispel stigma. Each year, we add to our library of honest and inspiring accounts of families facing the challenges of mood disorders and suicide.
How Families Can Support Men’s Mental Wellbeing
Recorded Livestream
Watch on demand
Every day, countless men silently battle mental health challenges alone, held back by deep-rooted societal pressures and expectations that tell them to “stay strong” and “keep it together.” Yet behind these walls of silence, they need our support more than ever.
Whether you’re concerned about a partner, father, brother, friend, or son, this candid discussion will equip you with practical strategies to help the men you care about find their path to mental wellness.
Supporting Your Teen: Addressing Depression and Eating Disorders Together
Recorded Webinar
Watch on Demand
This webinar, presented by Families for Depression Awareness in collaboration with the National Eating Disorders Association, explores the complex relationship between depression and eating disorders in teens. Rocio Avila, LCSW-S discusses how these conditions intersect, shares practical strategies for supporting teens, and provides guidance on accessing appropriate treatment resources.
Connecting with Care: Essential Communication Skills for Mental Health Caregivers
Recorded Webinar
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In this webinar, Dr. Chris Segrin guides you through four real-world scenarios caregivers often face supporting loved ones through depression. You’ll learn practical communication techniques for discussing depression symptoms, navigating conversations about professional help, using de-escalation strategies, and addressing trauma-related challenges with sensitivity.
PTSD and Depression: What Caregivers Need to Know
Recorded Livestream
Watch on demand
In this panel discussion mental health professionals will help you recognize the signs of PTSD, understand how it differs from depression, and learn practical ways to support your loved one’s journey toward healing. Our specialists will share evidence-based strategies for creating a supportive environment that encourages seeking professional help while maintaining trust and open communication.