Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices in Child and Adolescent Autism Evaluations
Course Description
Within the neurodiversity movement, the importance of affirming 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. Clinicians will leave this course with an understanding of how to integrate neurodivergent-affirming assessment practices into their work in assessing autism in children and adolescents.
This course is offered on Zoom and takes a strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming, 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, girls, 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 and how to individualize to each client’s needs. Information from autistic self-advocates in the field of psychology and beyond will be prioritized. Suggestions for writing appropriate and affirming recommendations for home, school, and therapy will be given.
Each iteration of the course is offered live on Zoom in a cohort style in order to allow for personalized support and Q&A. Following course completion, participants will have access to the recordings and PPTs, with the option to opt-in to a monthly autism evaluation consultation group with Dr. Haygeman following completion of the course.
Who Might Consider Attending
Psychologists and therapists who currently assess for neurodiversity or are interested in integrating neurodiversity affirming 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 evaluations to children and adolescents.
Skill Level
Intermediate
3-Day Training Dates
Thursday, November 6, 2025 2-5pm (PST)
Friday, November 7, 2025 2-5pm (PST)
Saturday, November 8, 2025 10am-1pm (PST)
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 girls, 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
Part 2: Gathering Developmental Data
- How to conduct a thorough, informed Social Developmental History
- Gathering information from multiple reporters
- Sample Social Developmental History
- Utilizing multiple measures to best understand a person’s social developmental history
- Social developmental history checklist
- Social developmental history interview
- Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD)
Session 2 (3 hours):
Part 1: Autism and Masking
- Considerations in assessment of high-masking populations and under-represented populations (girls, transgender, and non-binary populations, BIPOC)
- Assessing for bias
- How to assess for masking in children and adolescents
Part 2: Building Your Assessment Battery / Individualizing for each client
- Direct evaluation measures:
- Utilizing the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) as part of the evaluation process
- Learn how to utilize the MIGDAS-2 as part of your process with clients and parents
- Norm-referenced questionnaires:
- Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2)
- Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS)
- Sensory Profile 2 (assessing a child’s unique sensory profile and needs)
- Case study
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: Strengths-Based Report Writing
- Learn how to balance efficiency and an affirming approach
- Be able to identify common neurodivergent strengths and challenges
- Report templates
- Practice, Questions, Wrap-Up
Cost of Program:
$999/699
$999 for Licensed Clinicians.
$699 for Pre-Licensed or Students.
Prior training attendees are offered a $200 discount off the full price
CEs offered:
9, including 4 Cultural Competency Credits
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 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 admin@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: Empower Psychological Services, admin@empowerwhoyouare.com. Grievances would receive, to the best of our ability, corrective action in order to prevent further problems.
I have worked with Dr. Emily on wraparound care for a client before, and I was so impressed with the thoroughness of information that was provided to the client. When I found out I could train with her, I was so excited at the opportunity. I have attended many other trainings about different topics relating to neurodiversity, and I found this one to be the most inclusive of both marginalized/intersectionality of clients, as well as embracing the identities/needs of providers. I appreciated all of the supporting resources that were provided, this is definitely a comprehensive training that is worth the investment. -K.S., LPC
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- Massachusetts Authorization Number: (TBD)
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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.
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- The California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2026.
- This course is NOT available for NBCC credit
- This training does not offer ASWB ACE credit to social workers.
