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 adults 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 the adult.
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 and understand 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.
The course material is presented using a combination of didactic teaching and case studies. There are several Handouts included to assist clinicians in their practice and to supplement the teaching process.
See the trailer below for more information.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN MASTERCLASS DAY 2?
For Masterclass Day 2: Support and Therapy for Autistic Adults please CLICK HERE
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
Participants will learn:
- 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 an adult who may be autistic
- Recommended screening and diagnostic psychometric tools for autism
- Know the common co-occurring and differential diagnoses associated with autism in adults
- 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 the adult
What will I be able to do as a result of taking this course?
The participant will be able to incorporate into their own discipline-specific knowledge about diagnostic assessment specific procedures and activities to collect the data needed to determine the presence or absence of autism with an adult or older adolescent. The participant will be introduced to a range of instruments they can utilise. The course adds to the discipline knowledge and experience the participant brings to the course and is not an accreditation for being able to provide diagnostic assessments for autism.
Module Breakdown
Module 1 – Prevalence and gender ratio in autism, use of DSM-5 criteria, assessing for co-morbidity and latest research, importance of alexithymia, psychological reactions to being different and screening for depression.
Module 2 – Initial screening and diagnostic tools – review and recommendations. Discussion of camouflage and personality types in autism. Guidelines for the pre-diagnostic interview and the interview process.
Module 3 – How to assess the areas of catatonia, sensory sensitivity and clinical impairment in autism. A live diagnostic assessment with an adult, conducted by Tony. Questions and answers.
Module 4 – Differential and co-morbid diagnoses, including PTSD and complex PTSD, BPD, eating disorders, gender identity, addiction and schizophrenia. How to explain the diagnosis, reactions to the diagnosis and prognosis
TESTIMONIALS
“This was a very helpful and practical workshop. I appreciated the excellent resource sharing and the teaching about what a good diagnostic protocol for Adult ASD could look like. Also appreciate the willingness to share some example reports. Great knowledge and would recommend to others.”
“Thank you for a great presentation and validating so many aspects of practice and diagnosis. Good pace and interaction with each other and participants”
What You Will Receive
- The Online Course runs for 5.5 hours
- Downloadable Handouts to complement the course
- Certificate of Completion (upon request)
- You may count 5.5 hours toward your CPD hours
- Access to the content for 60 days from the date of purchase (accessed via the Member Dashboard). A once-off 30-day extension is available. See our FAQs for further information.
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
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