Autism In Adults: Misdiagnosis, Masking & Other Missed Opportunities

Overview: A recent study done by the JAMA Network Open journal shows that not only may autism prevalence be increasing over the lifespan, but that autism diagnoses in young adults have increased by 450% over the period 2011-2022. Given these recent data, it’s imperative we get assessment and diagnosis correct, which requires a stronger commitment to understanding autism. There’s so much to learn about autism, and this training will highlight some of the most important areas. Misdiagnosis remains common, especially in marginalized communities. We’ll take a close look at the most frequent misdiagnoses and why they occur. One key factor is masking, a survival strategy often used to better blend into the neuromajority. Together we can explore the emotional and psychological costs of masking, and why it's crucial for clinicians to recognize and understand them. We’ll also examine what unmasking can look like, and how to support that deeply personal process. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the missed opportunities clinicians and autistic individuals may face, given the current gaps in our clinical understanding and conceptualization of autism—both at the systemic level and in everyday interactions. This session is led by an autistic therapist with lived experience in many of these areas. Please join us for this important conversation.    

The Exaltation & Grief Of Late Autism Identification

Overview: As knowledge increases and stigma decreases about mental health diagnoses, the prevalence of individuals engaging in self-diagnosis of autism has become much greater in recent years.  At times, this has led to significant tension between providers and self-diagnosing individuals.  This panel consists of mental health providers (both Masters and Doctoral level) who are autistic and share lived experience.  The purpose of this presentation is to better understand both sides of the table around the topic of self-diagnosis.  We will elucidate the journey an individual takes from exploring self-diagnosis to possibly seeking formal diagnosis.  Challenges and barriers to formal diagnosis will be elaborated, as well as techniques to assist self-diagnosing individuals in how to advocate for themselves when seeking other support, including therapy.  Providers will be instructed on how to be neuro-affirming and to better understand the validity of self-diagnosis, as well as the limitations of formal diagnostic tools and processes.  Providers will be given concrete advice on how to meet self-diagnosing clients where they are at in their journey and how to better navigate possible points of tension.  A detailed discussion of masking will be provided to help clinicians better recognize autism, particularly in individuals with more subtle presentations.     

Relationship Work Across Neurotypes

Overview: This panel presentation includes five members (three Masters-level clinicians, one Doctoral level clinician, and one Psychiatrist), all of whom have lived experience with a late diagnosis of Autism.  This panel will share their lived experience with late diagnosis.  The exultation of late diagnosis, in terms of autistic joy and community connection, will be discussed.  However, a less accessible area for support is the grief surrounding late diagnosis.  Topics about the grief of late diagnosis will include what support panelists wish they had received from therapists or other providers following a late diagnosis of autism, feelings of grief that the diagnosis had not been received sooner, implications for their future, trauma/micro-traumas, masking challenges, self-acceptance of limitations due to disability, and questions about identity and imposter syndrome.  In addition, current data from the qualitative literature on late diagnosis will be presented.

Autism: Autism 101, Cultural Competency, Custom Topics, Autism & OCD

Overview: As knowledge increases and stigma decreases about mental health diagnoses, the prevalence of individuals engaging in self-diagnosis of autism has become much greater in recent years.  At times, this has led to significant tension between providers and self-diagnosing individuals.  This panel consists of mental health providers (both Masters and Doctoral level) who are autistic and share lived experience.  The purpose of this presentation is to better understand both sides of the table around the topic of self-diagnosis.  We will elucidate the journey an individual takes from exploring self-diagnosis to possibly seeking formal diagnosis.  Challenges and barriers to formal diagnosis will be elaborated, as well as techniques to assist self-diagnosing individuals in how to advocate for themselves when seeking other support, including therapy.  Providers will be instructed on how to be neuro-affirming and to better understand the validity of self-diagnosis, as well as the limitations of formal diagnostic tools and processes.  Providers will be given concrete advice on how to meet self-diagnosing clients where they are at in their journey and how to better navigate possible points of tension.  A detailed discussion of masking will be provided to help clinicians better recognize autism, particularly in individuals with more subtle presentations.     
  

Autism 101: An Autistic-Led Cultural Competence Celebration!

Overview: Most of our grad-school knowledge about Autism was developed by neurotypicals (non-autistics), lacking the involvement of Autistic voices. For many reasons, those voices are finally being heard & it turns out that much of that knowledge is outdated, incorrect or lacks the depth required to work with Autistic individuals who have OCD. To successfully treat OCD in the Autistic population, we need to amplify those voices. This session will cover some basics about Autism & the Autism community as well as doing a reality check on many misperceptions so we can move forward with better understanding & efficacy. Feedback from prior share-outs have referred to this as the best Autism presentation they’ve had. Created & presented by neurodivergent clinicians & advocates. 

OCD: Basics, Intermediate, Advanced, Custom Topics

OCD 101

Overview: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects 1 in 40 people & yet it remains both tricky to properly diagnose & treat effectively. In this OCD-focused training, led by a clinician who has treated adults with OCD exclusively since 2009, we will review what to look for to accurately identify OCD v. other anxiety disorders, learn the hallmarks, mechanisms & nuances of the disorder, including various lesser-known subtypes, as well as recognized treatment options. Improve your confidence & effectiveness in working with clients who display OCD traits.

ERP: Basics, Intermediate, Advanced, Custom Topics

ERP 101

Overview: Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is probably one of the lesser-known & understood psychological treatments out there right now. Decades of research show that ERP is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), as well as anxiety disorders. For whatever reason, grad schools didn’t dabble much in educating clinicians in ERP, despite the fact that 1 in 40 people will meed criteria for an OCD diagnosis in their lifetime. ERP is a rather counterintuitive approach, yet can be highly effective for 8 of 10 people who try & embrace it. Led by a therapist who has specialized in treating OCD among adults using ERP since 2009 & was trained by well-known experts Dr. Patrick McGrath & Dr. Karen Cassiday, this training will open your eyes to a new way to approach OCD that s both creative & effective.

OPEN TO TOPICS UPON REQUEST