Clinician's Version

Recognizing and Understanding the
Less Obvious Presentations
of Autism

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. 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many clinicians, both novice and seasoned, continue to feel ill-equipped to recognize autism and/or to rely on an outdated understanding of it.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 practical, easy-to-follow approach for clinicians to follow as they consider whether or not their clients may be autistic. 

2.5 Continuing Education credits may be purchased upon course completion for an additional $25.

We are offering CE credits in conjunction with The Stixrud Group. The Stixrud Group is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Stixrud Group maintains responsibility for this program and its content. 

Important note: This workshop is appropriate for clinicians (both testers and therapists). If you are a non-clinician looking to understand autism but do not need to learn how to do a social cognition assessment, please see this course.

What You'll Learn

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 method to consider the possibility of autism in your clients.


Course Outline

  • Are we in fact missing some autistic people?
  • Why are we missing them?
  • If their presentation is so subtle, does it matter?
  • Double Empathy Problem.
  • Description of the DSM criteria of autism.

      Reciprocal interactions.
      Nonverbal communication.
      Relationship management.
      Repetitive or idiosyncratic behavior.
      Inflexibility.
      Intense or atypical interests.
      Sensory differences.
      Other DSM criteria.
  • How do we gather information?
  • How do we organize and make meaning out of this information?
  • Using neurodiversity-affirmative language
  • The rest of the process
Empty space, drag to resize

Course Lessons

Empty space, drag to resize

Dr. Donna Henderson

YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Donna Henderson has been a clinical psychologist 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 consultation for other healthcare professionals. 

CONTACT DR. HENDERSON
drdonnahenderson@gmail.com | 301-565-0534
 
Created with