Description
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
- To understand the reasons for problems with emotion perception, expression, and regulation for autistic adults
- To know how to adapt therapy to maximise therapeutic effectiveness for autistic adults
- Introduction to a new mindfulness-based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy programme for treating depression in autistic adults, and training in key strategies within the programme
- To teach anxiety reduction strategies to autistic adults
- To learn strategies to assist autistic adults to develop a positive self-identity
- To gain an understanding of the pitfalls for autistic adults in achieving and maintaining meaningful employment
- To increase awareness of the issues of substance use, forensic issues, personality disorders, sexuality, psychosis, and gender identity in autistic adults
Module Breakdown
Module 1 – Reasons for the challenges experienced by autistic adults in expressing and managing their emotions are described including genes, learning history and selective memory, alexithymia, different neurology, and difficulties with cognitive empathy (1 hour)
Module 2 – How to adapt therapeutic and teaching methods to the profile of learning associated with autism. Research outcomes on the experience of depression for autistic adults. How autistic adults cope with anxiety including trauma, and resources to help. (1 hour 45 minutes)
Module 3 – The Exploring Depression Programme for mild to moderate depression, but also for stress, anger and anxiety. Increasing self-awareness and sense of identity, developing a positive sense of self, Energy Accounting as a strategy, tools to combat depression and anxiety (1 hour 20 min).
Module 4 – Continuing Exploring Depression Programme for mild to moderate depression, but also for stress, anger and anxiety, including more strategies for managing these emotions as a autistic adult (1 hour 20 min).
TESTIMONIALS:
“I’m now working my way through the second Masterclass I have ordered. And today I ran across a quote that describes my experience as I listen. It references books but is no less descriptive of the 2 trainings. If I one day author material on autism, I hope it resonates in the same way.
By Alfred Kazin, “Every book I read re-stocked my mind with those great friends… They came into my life proud and compassionate, recognizing me by a secret sign, whispering through subterranean channels of sympathy.”.”
“As always, Michelle and Tony delivered a most remarkable and comprehensive presentation with sensitivity, compassion and humour that was both illuminating and reaffirming and at times had me in buckets of tears.”
“Thank you for all your information. I am a parent to a child on the spectrum and have learnt so much from both of you. And understanding just how my own life was negatively impacted by my own social hindrances growing up and being able to help myself and my daughter with the knowledge you provide which is in layman’s terms that even I can understand.”
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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