Updating Your Autism Lens

Modern Clinical Presentations of Autism 

• The evolution of Autism care and language  
• Limitations of available research and potential risks   
• Autistic masking, camouflaging and compensating 
• Clinical challenges in “high masking” clients  
• “Atypical presentations of Autism” 
• Autism in the media   
• Self-diagnosis and social media inspired assessment 
• The intersections of marginalization and its impact 
• Commonly encountered clinical presentations/differential diagnoses 
• Misunderstood markers of Autism 
• Identification and treatment of diagnostic grief, and the implications of late diagnosis on relationships, career, mental and physical health. 
• Limitations of research and potential risks of operating without evidenced-based practices designed for Neurodivergent adults. 
• Comorbid mental health conditions that may mimic and stem from Autistic burnout.  

 
Therapeutic Techniques  

• Defining Neurodiversity-affirming therapy 
• The dangers of applying generalist techniques 
• “Green flags” of Autism  
• Autistic communication patterns  
• Common Autistic traits that can assist with identification and treatment planning  
• Examining the role of practiced-based evidence in the absence of evidence-based strategies. 
• Sensory-based therapeutic techniques to manage Nervous system regulation and trauma responses 
• The role of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in the therapeutic relationship 

 
Trusting the client to dictate their Neurodivergent experience

• The role of perspective between client and the world – including the therapist 
• The role of accommodations in long-term management of social settings, educational  settings, the workplace, home, and relationships 
• Differentiating depression and burnout 
• Unique interventions to assist clients in recovery from burnout 
• The shortcomings of the DSM-V and how pathologizing Autism prevents us from creating a strengths-based therapeutic relationship 
• Nervous system involvement in the daily Autistic experience 
• An overview of the 6 types of Autistic trauma 

  
Collaborative Care 

• Therapeutic Techniques for Neuro-affirming therapy 
• Common challenges with Neurotypical-based therapy practices 
• The importance of flexibility  
• “Grelief:” the grief/relief combo following diagnosis 
• Identifying accommodations: community, sensory, educational, and occupational 
• Barriers to communication: Double and triple empathy  
• Defining collaborative care 
• Common barriers that impact identification, treatment, and collaboration 
• The importance of supportive community networks, both in person and virtually 
• Resources that can empower clients to seek specialized care 
• Your role in assisting with advocacy and healthcare navigation