Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Adult Autism Evaluation
Course Description
Within the neurodiversity movement, the importance of affirming, culturally-competent approaches in both assessment and treatment of autism cannot be understated. There is currently a clear need for clinicians trained in autism assessment who are neurodivergent-affirming in both belief and practice while maintaining integrity in their evidence-based practices and high-quality evaluations. This course addresses this need within the neurodiversity framework. Masters- and Doctoral- Level clinicians will leave this course with an understanding of how to integrate neurodivergent-affirming assessment practices into their work in assessing Level 1 Autism.
This course is offered on Zoom and takes a strengths-based, neurodivergent, and trauma-informed perspective, from initial referral to final feedback. The training will focus strongly on populations which have historically been under-represented in autism diagnosis, including black and indigenous people of color and other global majority groups, women, transgender and non-binary individuals. We will explore the of intersectionality of traits and life experiences that make it difficult to recognize autism. Autism and “masking” will be explored, including how to assess for masking as well as types of masking behaviors and mental health consequences of masking. We will explore how to build an appropriate battery of measures, with a focus on measures accessible to both Masters and Doctoral level clinicians (i.e. clinical interviews, autism checklists, and self-report measures). Information from autistic self-advocates in the field of psychology and beyond will be prioritized. suggestions for writing appropriate and affirming therapeutic recommendations will be given.
Each iteration of the course is offered live on Zoom in a small, cohort style with a max enrollment of 15 participants in order to allow for personalized support and Q&A. Following course completion, participants will have access to the recordings and PPTs, as well one peer consultation group with Dr. Haygeman on a specified date (see info in blue column on right), specifically on the topic of autism assessment.
Who Might Consider Attending
Psychologists and therapists who currently assess for autism or are interested in integrating autism assessment into their practice. Mental health practitioners of all kinds interested in taking a “deep dive” into the neurodiversity movement, and those who wish to deepen their commitment to offering neurodivergent-affirming services.
Skill Level
Intermediate
Training Dates
Next training: Fall 2026
- Friday October 16th
- Saturday October 17th
- Sunday October 18th
Location
ZOOM
Learning Objectives
- Recall perspectives of autism from a historical perspective
- Describe autism from a strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming, trauma-informed perspective
- Develop your own battery for autism evaluation
- Explain the rationale for including a comprehensive social developmental interview in autism assessment
- Differentiate autism from and with common co-occurring conditions
- Recognize autism presentation in women, transgender, non-binary, and Global Majority populations
- Define masking in the context of autism and describe how to assess it within the scope of an assessment
- Identify and name autistic self-advocates and be able to summarize some perspectives on the evaluation
process - Develop and identify strengths-based report recommendations
Agenda
Session 1 (3 hours):
Part 1: Overview of Autism
- Data, identification, epidemiology
- Reviewing and understanding the diagnostic criteria from the DSM-5 from the medical model and the social model (using the Strengths-Based Autism Criteria)
- Different models of understanding autism/ why language matters
- Medical Model
- Humanistic Model
- Social Model/ Neurodiversity movement
- Neurodiversity Paradigm handout by Dr. Megan Anna Neff
Part 2: Gathering Developmental Data
- How to conduct a thorough, informed Social Developmental History
- Gathering information from multiple reporters
- If unavailable, how to best gather directly from client
- Sample Social Developmental History
- Utilizing multiple measures to best understand a person’s social developmental history
- Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)
- Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ)
- Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale- Revised (RAADS-R)
Session 2 (3 hours):
Part 1: Autism and Masking
- Considerations in assessment of high-masking populations and under-represented populations (women, transgender, and non-binary populations, BIPOC)
- Assessing for bias, increasing cultural competency working with diverse autistic populations
- Review and utilization of The Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q)
Part 2: Utilizing the MIGDAS-2
- Learn how to utilize the MIGDAS-2 as part of your clinical interview process with clients
- Understand the limits of the MIGDAS-2
- Observe MIGDAS-2 interview, follow along and take notes
Session 3 (3 hours):
Part 1: Differential Diagnosis
- The importance of trauma-informed autism evaluations
- Autism and common co-occurring conditions
- Questions to ask, potential measures to use in conjunction
- When to refer out
Part 2: Self-Identification
- Validity of self-identification
- When self-identification is “enough” versus when an evaluation may be useful
- Voices of autistic self-advocates
- Writing a strengths-based report
- Practice, Questions, Wrap-Up
Dates:
Next training: Fall 2026
- Friday October 16th
- Saturday October 17th
- Sunday October 18th
Cost of Program:
$950 early bird, through October 5th.
$1250 regular price, beginning October 6th.
Students and pre-licensed clinicians are welcome to inquire about reduced rates.
Cost includes a follow-up group consultation within 3 weeks of training.
CEs offered:
9 CEs offered through CE-Credits.com, includes 4 Cultural Competency CEs
CE Information:
CE-Classes.com is the provider of CEs. Certificates are awarded online after completion of the workshop. Participants print their own certificate after registering at CE-Classes.com, entering a keycode, and completing an evaluation form. Licensed Professionals should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval.
Conflict of Interest:
There are no known conflicts of interest for this workshop.
Refund Policy:
For the rare cancellation, we will be able to refund the cost (except the deposit) up to one month prior to the
start of the course if we are able to fill your spot from the waiting list. We will always be open to discussing your circumstances with you, and doing what we can.
ADA Assistance:
This workshop is in compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act. Please contact Emily@empowerwhoyouare.com if special accommodation is required.
Grievance Policy:
CE-Classes.com seeks to ensure equitable treatment of every person and to make every attempt to resolve grievances in a fair manner. Please submit a written grievance to: Kate Fehr, kate@clearsimple.com. Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.
CE-Classes.com is approved by:
- The American Psychological Association (APA) CE-Classes.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE-Classes.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS, recognizes relevant course work/training that has been approved by nationally recognized certifying bodies, such as APA, to satisfy renewal requirements.
- California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-12-174-0627 Expires 06-2027
- California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2026.
- California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) Provider Number 231
- Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #852 BAP-Expires 3/31/2027
- Florida Board of Nursing (CE Provider #: 50-4896) Expires 10/31/2028 Do not send certificates to the Florida Board of Nursing. You must keep this certificate for 4 years.
- Florida Certification Board
- Illinois – CE-Classes.com is a registered social work CE sponsor by the State of Illinois. License 159.001607 Expires 11/30/2027
- Massachusetts Authorization Number: (TBD)
- New York Mental Health Practitioners Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0260
- New York Psychology Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0211
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New York Social Work Board – CE-Classes.com is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0120.
- Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board – Approval from a state licensing board for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists is accepted by the OH CSWMFTB.
- Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (LPCs, LMFTs and LBCs)
- South Carolina – CE-Classes.com is approved by the S.C. Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapist, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (#4696).
- Texas Board of Social Work Examiners – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
- Texas Board of Professional Counselors – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
- Texas Board of Marriage & Family Therapists – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
- This course is NOT available for NBCC credit
- This course does not offer ASWB ACE credit to social workers. However our state board approvals may be accepted for license renewal. Check with your state board.
