Everyone Else's Version

Is This Autism? 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 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many clinicians, both novice and seasoned, continue to feel ill-equipped to recognize autism and/or to rely on an outdated understanding of it.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 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 is appropriate for clinicians, as well as for parents or individuals who wonder if they may be autistic.

Important note: This video does not include guidance for clinicians on how to do a social cognition assessment. If you are a clinician who would like to understand the DSM criteria and how to do an assessment, please see this course, where you can also get Continuing Education credits
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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. Understand the subjective experience in addition to observable behaviors that may be seen. 


Course Outline

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

     a. Reciprocal interactions.
     b. Nonverbal communication.
     c. Relationship management.
     d. Repetitive or idiosyncratic behavior.
     e. Inflexibility.
     f. Intense or atypical interests.
     g. Sensory differences.
     h. Other DSM criteria.

Course Lessons

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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
 
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