Adult Autism Assessment for Master's Level Therapists

According to the CDC (2022), more than 5 million adults in the United States lives with undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Assessment and diagnosis of adult ASD falls within the scope of practice for Master’s level therapists. With proper training, mental health professionals can help Autistic adults recognize their strengths and challenges. Well-informed, thoughtful diagnosis can be achieved through a series of thorough interviews, including taking a family history; reviewing sensory issues, social difficulties and language development; assessment of cognitive functioning; and using self-report questionnaires.

This session will discuss the various diagnosis tools clinicians can use along with the various co-occurring and differential diagnoses associated with ASD in adults. Participants will learn what to look for when making an ASD diagnosis and participants in collaborative case studies to apply discussed topics.. Additionally, this session will discuss the ethical challenges in reporting of diagnosis and the proper reporting methods to state registries.

After attending this introductory level program, participants will be able to 

-Identify 3 common co-occurring mental health conditions seen in clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Explain the ethical challenges in reporting new ASD diagnoses to state registries
-Discuss 2 differential diagnoses to consider in assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder

GOAL 1: Program is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or science.

STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

General Admission: $30

TCSPP Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $20

Students: $15

(Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, tuition is nonrefundable.

Howlin, P. (2021) Adults with autism: Changes in understanding since DSM-111 Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 51 (12) 4291-4308.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8531125/

Huang, Y., Arnold, S., Foley, K, Trollor, J. (2020) Diagnosis of Autism in Adulthood: A scoping review, Autism 24 (6) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1362361320903128?journalCode=auta

Arnold, S., Huang, Y, Richdale, A., Trollor, J. and Lawsen, L. (2020) “The Single Most Important Thing That Has Happened to Me in My Life” : Development of the impact of diagnosis scale-Preliminary revision. Autism in Adulthood, 2
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Audience: Master’s level mental health therapists and Students

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159 

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036 

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.0 hour of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code. 

Participation Certificate. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is able to provide students and other participants who simply wish to have documentation of their attendance at the program a participation certificate. 

Non Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable. 

Disclaimer for all programs:  

 If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest. 

Kate McNulty LCSW-Kate McNulty has been in private practice for over twenty years and previously had a long career in agency and hospital settings. Kate recognized she was Autistic ten years ago. She is the author of Love and Asperger’s, a guide to mixed neurotype relationships.