Identifying and Working with Subtle Presentations of Autism in Clients Presenting for Other Concerns

Presented by Dr. Caroline Grantz

Includes 2 CE credits

Educational goals

1. Improve identification of autism in clients presenting for other concerns
2. Improve ability to provide neurodivergent-affirming care to autistic clients (formally diagnosed or not)
3. Improve ability to support clients in decision-making regarding formal diagnosis
   

Learning Objectives

At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. List 5 symptoms of autism that may present differently than as described in DSM-5.
2. Identify 3 ways that evidence-based intervention may need to be modified for autistic clients.
3. List 2 pros and 2 cons of formal autism diagnosis in clients presenting for other concerns.

About the Presenter

Caroline Grantz, PhD, is a licensed psychologist whose work focuses on supporting neurodivergent teens and adults in navigating a world that does not always recognize or understand their neurodivergence. She provides neurodevelopmental and neuropsychological evaluations as well as therapy from a neurodivergent-affirming CBT, ACT, and CFT-informed lens. Her goal is to empower clients to live authentic, self-compassionate lives. She is located in Davis, CA, and enjoys exploring nature and kid-friendly activities with her daughter.

Presentation Outline

1. Brief overview of autism spectrum disorder (5 minutes)
2. What I mean by 'subtle presentations of autism' (15 minutes)
3. Is my client autistic? Identifying autism in clients presenting with other concerns (40 minutes)
   - includes case examples
   
4. I think my client might be autistic, now what? Next steps in supporting neurodivergent clients (50 minutes)
   - includes pros and cons of formal diagnosis
5. Wrap-up and questions (10 minutes)s can become allies for the LGbtQ+ community by providing gender-affirming care

This course meets the qualifications for 2 hours of continuing education law and ethics credit for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The Sacramento Valley Chapter of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (SVC-CAMFT), provider #62279, is approved by CAMFT to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs. SVC-CAMFT maintains the responsibility for the program and all its content.

CE credit will be awarded via email after the completion of the course in exchange for a course evaluation. No CE credits will be awarded to persons not attending the presentation in it's entirety. Partial CE credit will not be awarded. This program will benefit LMFT, LPCC, LEP and LCSW licensees and pre-licensees.

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