All professionals working with school-age children on speech and social-emotional concerns learn that there is much common ground between the domains of speech, mental health and teaching. The presenter, an autism specialist who has closely studied speech-based approaches to helping children on the spectrum, will first review some mental health approaches that have the potential to be incorporated into school-based speech interventions. We will then examine practical mental health and social skills tools strategies to address problems such as anxiety, anger, challenging social situations and social isolation. The presentation includes access to a number of free downloads of games, worksheets and other tools from the presenter’s website. The strategies presented are designed for verbal, motivated school-age children. This session will also address cultural and linguistic aspects of learning differences, provide ideas for adaptations to accommodate specific disabilities as well as meet student needs in inclusive settings. This session will satisfy the DEI requirements for maintenance of ASHA certification.