Professional Development
2-Day Webinar Masterclass: ‘Diagnosis for Autistic and/or AuDHD Girls and Women’ & ‘Support and Therapy for Autistic and/or AuDHD Girls and Women’
2-Day Webinar Masterclass: ‘Diagnosis for Autistic and/or AuDHD Girls and Women’ & ‘Support and Therapy for Autistic and/or AuDHD Girls and Women’
Discipline-specific knowledge and skills in the diagnostic assessment & clinical support of females* who may be autistic or have ADHD, or both
Join Professor Tony Attwood and Dr Michelle Garnett, internationally recognised autism experts for these masterclasses. Choose just day one or enrol in both classes.
*We refer to birth gender.
Day One Masterclass
Our international definitions of autism and ADHD (DSM and ICD), and thus our screening and diagnostic instruments, rely on research conducted with autistic males as the dominant sample.  Consequently, autistic girls and women have been missed, now referred to as ‘the lost generation.’ In this Masterclass, we draw on recent research, our decades of clinical experience, and lived experience accounts from girls and women to share our recommended screening instruments, diagnostic procedures, and resources.  We cover differential and co-occurring conditions, report preparation, explaining the diagnosis and subsequent support.  We share adaptations for the diagnostic process to ensure it is neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-focused.
Day One Learning Objectives
- Understand the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD
- Be able to describe other common aspects to these conditions that are not in the diagnostic manuals but well-documented in research and lived experience accounts
- Recognise adaptations to neurodivergence such as camouflaging and compensation
- Know the best practice guidelines for a diagnostic assessment of an autistic or AuDHD female to ensure that it is therapeutic rather than stigmatising
- To be aware of mental health and medical conditions associated with autism and ADHD and how to distinguish mental health conditions such as trauma and C-PTSD from autism
- Guidance on the preparation of reports for the individual and relevant agencies
- Know how to share the results of the assessment and describe the value of the diagnosis to the individual, and explore future support needs and resources
Day Two Masterclass
Information and guidance will be provided on support and therapy to assist an autistic girl or woman to develop a positive sense of self, enhance strategies for self-advocacy, executive functioning, emotional understanding and regulation, improve friendship and relationship abilities from early childhood to the adult years, and understand how aspects of autism can contribute to a successful career.
Adaptations to conventional therapy will be explained to accommodate the profile of abilities and experiences of autistic girls and women in the treatment of common clinical presentations, including anxiety and depression, eating disorders, and gender dysphoria.
Day Two Learning Objectives
- To understand the reasons for difficulties with emotion perception, expression, and regulation for autistic girls and women.
- Recognition of the effects of alexithymia, impaired interoception and emotional empathy on the ability to experience and express emotions.
- To know how to adapt therapy to accommodate aspects of autism to enhance therapeutic effectiveness for autistic girls and women.
- To learn strategies to treat anxiety, burnout and depression in autistic girls and women.
- Understand issues regarding self-identity and low self-esteem for autistic girls and women, and strategies to strengthen the concept of self and enhance self-esteem and resilience.
- Understand issues and strategies regarding vulnerability to bullying, teasing, social rejection and sexual abuse.
- Learn strategies for developing a social network across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
- Choose resources to improve social processing abilities from childhood through to the adult years.
- To gain an understanding of the challenges and potential solutions for autistic women in achieving and maintaining meaningful employment, long-term relationships and being a mother.
Who should attend?
This webinar is suitable for all primary health professionals working with children and adolescents.
Presenters
- Professor Tony Attwood, PhD
- Professor Tony Attwood is one of the world’s foremost specialists on Autism. Holding an Honours 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, Tony’s impact has enriched the global understanding of autism.
- Dr Michelle Garnett
- Michelle 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.
Both Tony and Michelle are autistic, late-diagnosed. Michelle also has ADHD, also late-diagnosed.
CPD
CPD is available.
Please contact the organiser below for more information.
Cost
Day One: $408
Day Two: $408
Both days bundle: $693.60
Questions?
For any questions, please contact: events@attwoodandgarnettevents.com
