IN-PERSON: Is This Autism? Recognizing and Understanding the Less Obvious Presentations of Autism

Is This Autism? Recognizing and Understanding the Less Obvious Presentations of Autism: In-Person
Session Registration

This session will take place in person,9:00 am - 12:00 p.m., at the University of Arizona Chandler Campus (55 N. Arizona Pl., Suite 310, Chandler, AZ 85225).

Description:

Over the past few decades, the prevalence of autism has risen from 1 in 150 to 1 in 31. This is due in part to our better understanding of autistics who camouflage. Recent research suggests that there are still significant numbers of undiagnosed autistics, and that accurate diagnosis can be life changing 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many clinicians, both novice and seasoned, continue to feel ill-equipped to recognize autism and/or to rely on an outdated understanding of it.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 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 practice, easy-to-follow approach for clinicians to consider whether or not their clients may be autistic.

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:

1. Describe core characteristics of individuals with a less obvious presentation of autism.
2. Identify ways that autistic females may present differently from autistic males.
3. Describe a structured and objective method to consider the possibility of autism in your clients.

NASP domains of practice:

Domain 1: Data based decision making

Domain 7: Family, school and community collaboration

Domain 9: Research and evidence based practice

Registration

• AASP Member: $40
• AASP Student Member: $20
• Non-Member: $80