Fall Virtual Workshop 2024:
Is This Autism? Recognizing and Understanding the Less Obvious Presentations of Autism
Session Summary
Over the past few decades, the prevalence of autism has risen from 1 in 150 to 1 in 36. This is due in part to our better understanding of autistics who camouflage. However, recent research suggests that there are still significant numbers of undiagnosed autistics, and that accurate diagnosis can be lifechanging for these individuals (and their families). However, many clinicians, both novice and seasoned, continue to feel ill-equipped to recognize autism and/or to rely on an outdated understanding of it. It is essential that all clinicians are updated on the ways to recognize when their clients (of all ages) may be autistic, particularly but not exclusively their female clients. This workshop will provide that clarity by describing the DSM diagnostic criteria for autism and the many ways they can present, particularly in bright individuals with less obvious autistic traits. This workshop also covers a practical, easy-to-follow approach for clinicians to consider the possibility of autism for and with their patients, differential diagnosis, and related topics such as pathological demand avoidance (PDA).
Speaker Bio
Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage, and she is co-author (with Drs. Sarah Wayland and Jamell White) of two books: Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else and Is This Autism? A companion guide for diagnosing. Dr. Henderson’s professional home is The Stixrud Group in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she provides neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults who would like to understand themselves better. She is a sought-after lecturer on the less obvious presentations of autism, autistic girls and women, PDA, and on parenting children with complex profiles. She also enjoys providing neurodiversity-affirmative training and case consultation for other healthcare professionals.
Learning objectives
- Describe core characteristics of individuals with a less obvious presentation of autism.
- Identify ways that autistic females may present differently from autistic males.
- Describe a structured and data-based method to consider the possibility of autism in your clients.
- Identify reasons that autistic individuals are missed or misdiagnosed.
- Identify the core features of PDA.
- Improve use of neurodiversity-affirmative language.
Course schedule
8:30am
Technical Check
9-9:30
Are we missing autistic clients? If so, why and does it even matter?
9:30-10:30
The diagnostic criteria for autism, particularly how they present in those who camouflage
10:30-10:45
Break
10:45-11:45
The diagnostic criteria, continued
11:45-Noon
Q and A
12pm-1pm
Lunch
1-2:30
A structured process for gathering information, determining whether or not to diagnose, and how to discuss with the client, family, and other professionals, using a neurodiversity-affirming framework
2:30-2:45
Break
2:45-4:00
Differential diagnosis and PDA
4-4:30pm
Q&A
A recording of the event will be available to all registrants for 6 weeks after the workshop and CE credits can be verified through our Learning Hub.
The Manitoba Psychological Society is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The Manitoba Psychological Society maintains responsibility for the program.
6 CE credits will be awarded after completion of the full CE activity.
Cancellation policy: No refunds will be issued. You will have 6 weeks following the event to access the workshop and materials.
