Description
This intensive one-day Masterclass has been designed to add to the participant’s discipline-specific knowledge and skills in the diagnostic assessment of children and adolescents for autism. The training includes which co-occurring conditions to screen for, considerations for differentiating other conditions from autism, use of psychometric assessment, report preparation skills and disclosure of a diagnosis of autism to parents and the child.
Masterclass Day 1 will add to your discipline-specific knowledge to increase your knowledge about diagnostic assessment whether you confer the diagnosis, contribute to the diagnostic process or are simply interested in how to recognise autism.
NB: Different Guidelines exist within different countries concerning who may provide a diagnostic assessment for the purpose of receiving support and funding. Attending this Masterclass will not train you to become a diagnostician or to be eligible to provide a diagnostic assessment.
TEACHING PROCESS:
The course material is presented using a combination of didactic teaching, taped demonstrations from real-life clinical sessions, case studies, and question time. There are several Handouts included to assist clinicians in their practice and to supplement the teaching process.
See trailer below for more information on Day 1 content.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN ATTENDING DAY 2?
For full information about Day 2, please see Masterclass Day 2 – Support & Therapy for Autistic Children & Adolescents
(Please note that the topics for the live webcast and the online pre-recorded course are the same.)
About the speakers
Prof Tony Attwood PhD With a remarkable career spanning five decades, Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Holding an Honour’s degree in Psychology from the University of Hull, a Master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Surrey, and a PhD from the University of London, his credentials are a testament to his expertise. Currently serving as an adjunct Professor at Griffith University in Queensland, Professor Attwood’s impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.
Alongside Dr Michelle Garnett, Professor Attwood co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, driven by the shared goal of enhancing autism awareness and understanding. Their shared vision seeks to reshape the narrative surrounding autism to create a world where autism is embraced, and the diverse strengths, talents, and perspectives of autistic individuals are celebrated. This transformative narrative fosters a more inclusive and accepting society, benefitting all its members.
Renowned for his extensive contributions to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, now commonly referred to as autism, Professor Attwood has authored numerous publications on the subject. His seminal book, Asperger’s Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals debuted in 1998, resonated globally and has since found its voice in over 25 languages, making his insights accessible across cultures and continents.
With a dedicated commitment to practical application, he has run a private practice for 30 years, only recently closing his books due to a long waiting list. Beyond his clinical work, he dedicates significant time to travel, sharing insights and knowledge through workshops and seminars across national and international platforms.
Dr Michelle Garnett PhD is a clinical psychologist with more than 30 years of specialising in autism. In 2005, she founded Minds & Hearts, a clinic specialised to autism, where she served as Clinical and Managing Director for 14 years until 2019. Alongside Tony Attwood she co-founded Attwood & Garnett Events in 2019, aiming to enhance autism awareness and understanding with a vision to foster a neuro-affirming community.
In addition to her extensive private practice, Dr Garnett has significantly contributed to autism research, authored influential books, and engaged in impactful speaking engagements. Her peer-reviewed research has informed our understanding of early autism identification, the female autism profile, and the link between mental health and positive outcomes in autistic individuals. She has co-authored six respected books on autism, including the influential Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism (2018) with Barb Cook, a seminal work on the female autism experience. Her recent books, Having Fun with Feelings on the Autism Spectrum and Ten Steps to Reducing Your Child’s Anxiety on the Autism Spectrum offer invaluable guidance to parents of young autistic children.
Dr Garnett is a sought-after presence in academic circles, presenting as a Keynote Speaker at conferences and conducting workshops, seminars, and training sessions on autism across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Her influence extends to universities, autism organisations, government, and non-governmental bodies, solidifying her reputation as a prominent figure in the autism field.
Learning Objectives
Understand DSM5 definitions of autism and how to gain data to compare against these, including the female and subtle profiles
Know best practice guidelines for diagnostic assessment of autism
Know what to assess to inform the diagnostic assessment for a child or adolescent who may be autistic
Recommended screening and diagnostic psychometric tools for autism
Know the common co-occurring and differential diagnoses associated with autism
Understand consideration for differentiating autism from other commonly co-occurring conditions.
To learn tips on the preparation for useful reports reporting the results of the diagnostic assessment
Gain useful ideas for how to share diagnostic assessment results with parents
Understand strategies about how to disclose and explain the diagnosis to a child or adolescent
Modules
Module 1: Understanding DSM5 criteria and specifiers, and what they mean. Female presentation of autism, use of camouflaging in autism, and new screeners for the female presentation.
Module 2: Our recommended psychometric tools for screening and diagnosis of autism. How to assess social communication skills and understanding in autism.
Video of Tony assessing a two-year-old girl for autism.
Module 3: How to assess the child or adolescent’s understanding of their own and other’s emotions, the intensity of their interests, their language profile, sensory processing, self-care skills and motor abilities. Common differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions are discussed, including what to look for, how to assess, how to differentiate and how co-occurring conditions affect each other.
Module 4: More common differential diagnoses and co-occurring conditions are discussed. Developing a therapeutic plan. Preparing the report. How and when to explain the diagnosis to the child and to others.
Testimonials
“Michelle and Tony provided such a positive and uplifting presentation on ASD, I thoroughly enjoyed the way in which you promoted ASD as a strength rather than a defective quality.”
“Thankyou you both very much. A savvy and sophisticated partnership.”
“Really enjoyed the videos and case studies. Very motivating. Fantastic training!”
What You Will Receive
- Access to the presentation for 60 days following the live event. A once-off 30-day extension is available. See our FAQs for further information.
- A Live Chat Room for Q&A with Tony & Michelle throughout the day
- Downloadable Handouts to complement the course
- Certificate of Attendance (if requested)
- 5.5 hours elective CPD per day of the Masterclass, within the participant’s professional organisation.
Within 24 hours, you will receive an email with your login credentials for the new Member Dashboard. If you haven’t received these details after 48 hours, please email events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com
The email will come from events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com and may go to your junk/spam/promotions folders.
Do You Need a Tax Invoice Receipt for this Event?
Please email us at events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com and we will send you one.
Discounts/Cancellation/Refund Policy
Please Note: The quickest and easiest way to book is online.
Discount: If you are a full time student requiring a discount please enquire about our student rate and send in a photocopy of your student ID card or if you are facing hardship please email events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com to apply for a discount.
For Cancellations: Up to 7 days notice payment will be refunded, minus a $50 administrative fee. At less than 7 days notice there will be no refund, but a credit note with Attwood and Garnett Events for future events, minus $50, will be issued. Attendance is fully transferable.
