Course Description

Autism has historically been under-recognized in adults, particularly among women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, intellectually gifted people, and those who have learned to camouflage or mask autistic characteristics. As awareness grows, clinicians increasingly encounter adults seeking diagnostic clarification after years—or even decades—of inaccurate diagnoses and ineffective treatment. Conducting high-quality autism evaluations requires far more than familiarity with the DSM-5-TR criteria; it requires an understanding of developmental history, differential diagnosis, trauma, sensory processing, masking, and the lived experiences of autistic adults. This intensive two-day training provides clinicians with a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for evaluating Autism in adults through a trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming lens. Participants will examine the historical evolution of autism diagnosis, explore current research on prevalence, ableism, and the Double Empathy Problem, and learn how autism commonly presents across diverse adult populations. The training reviews the strengths and limitations of commonly used screening and diagnostic instruments—including the AQ, RAADS-4, CAT-Q, ADOS-2, and MIGDAS-2—and emphasizes the importance of integrating developmental history, collateral information, behavioral observation, and clinical judgment. Participants will also develop practical skills in conducting adult autism diagnostic interviews, applying DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, differentiating autism from overlapping psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions, and formulating clinically sound diagnostic impressions. The course concludes with a live diagnostic demonstration and a supervised assessment practicum that allows participants to apply newly acquired skills in a structured, supportive learning environment. Designed for licensed mental health professionals and graduate-level trainees, this workshop equips clinicians with practical tools for conducting comprehensive adult autism evaluations that are evidence-based, culturally responsive, and grounded in respect for autistic lived experience.

Location

ONLINE



Intended Audience

This training is master's and doctoral level mental health providers and graduate students of those programs. This training is particularly intended for beginning and intermediate practitioners.

Instructor

Mike Elliot, AuDHD, MS, NCC, LPC, EMDR Consultant/Trainer

Mike Elliot

Trainer

Mike Elliot is the Clinical Director of Elliot Counseling, a multidisciplinary group private practice specializing in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, autism, attachment trauma, dissociation, and LGBTQIA+ affirming mental health care. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and is an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and Trainer. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh before completing a Master of Science in Professional Counseling at Carlow University. His diverse educational background informs his analytical, evidence-based, and neurodiversity-affirming approach to clinical practice and training. He has completed advanced postgraduate training through the Albert Ellis Institute, the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, the Institute for Creative Mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing International. His clinical work integrates contemporary research with practical, trauma-informed interventions to support individuals with complex presentations, including neurodevelopmental differences, attachment injuries, and dissociative disorders. As an educator and consultant, Mike is committed to helping clinicians provide ethical, evidence-informed, and affirming care through engaging trainings that bridge research with real-world clinical application.

Agenda

Day 1

  • 8:30 –  9:00  Registration and Introductions\

  • 9:00 – 10:30  Foundations of Adult Autism

  • 10:30 – 10:45  Morning Break

  • 10:45 – 12:15    Myths, Epidemiology, and Ableism

  • 12:15 –  1:15  Lunch

  • 1:15 –  2:45      Adult Assessment Principles

  • 2:45 –  3:00  Break

  • 3:00 –  4:30    Autism and Common Co-occurring Conditions

Day 2

  • 9:00 – 10:30  Module 5: Autism Assessment Instruments

  • 10:30 – 10:45  Morning Break

  • 10:45 – 11:45  Module 6: Applying DSM-5-TR Criteria

  • 11:45 –  12:45  Lunch

  • 12:45 –  1:45   Live Diagnostic Demonstration

  • 1:45 –  2:00  Break

  • 2:00 –  4:00  Supervised Diagnostic Interview Practicum

  • 4:00 – 4:30  Case Debrief and Clinical Integration

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of Day 1, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe the historical evolution of autism diagnosis, including major conceptual changes from Bleuler's original concept of autismus through Kanner, Asperger, DSM-5-TR, ICD-11, and the Neurodiversity Paradigm (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022; Bleuler, 1911; Kanner, 1943; World Health Organization [WHO], 2022; Walker, 2021).
  2. Differentiate common myths about autism from current empirical evidence regarding prevalence, empathy, intelligence, gender differences, and lifespan presentation (Maenner et al., 2023; Milton, 2012; Lord et al., 2020; Lai et al., 2015; Hull et al., 2019; Loomes et al., 2017).
  3. Explain the impact of ableism, masking, camouflaging, and the Double Empathy Problem on autism identification and clinical assessment (Milton, 2012; Hull et al., 2017; Hull et al., 2019; Kapp, 2023).
  4. Identify the core characteristics of autism in adults, including social communication differences, sensory processing differences, repetitive behaviors, executive functioning differences, and developmental presentation (APA, 2022; Lord et al., 2020; National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE], 2021).
  5. Describe the prevalence and clinical implications of common co-occurring conditions in autistic adults, including ADHD, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, substance use disorders, and dissociative disorders (Lai et al., 2019; Hollocks et al., 2019; Rumball et al., 2020; Russell et al., 2013; Kildahl et al., 2021; De Giorgi et al., 2022; Helles et al., 2017; International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation [ISSTD], 2023).


Upon completion of Day 2, participants will be able to:

  1. Compare commonly used adult autism screening and diagnostic instruments—including the AQ, RAADS-R/RAADS-4, CAT-Q, ADOS-2, and MIGDAS-2—with respect to their strengths, limitations, psychometric properties, and appropriate clinical applications (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001; Ritvo et al., 2011; Hull et al., 2019; Lord et al., 2012; Monteiro, 2018; Conner et al., 2019; Maddox et al., 2017).
  2. Conduct a neurodiversity-affirming clinical interview that systematically evaluates the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder in adults (APA, 2022; NICE, 2021; Lai & Baron-Cohen, 2015).
  3. Apply developmental history, collateral information, behavioral observations, and standardized assessment data to formulate differential diagnoses during adult autism evaluations (Conner et al., 2019; Lord et al., 2020; NICE, 2021).
  4. Differentiate autism from psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions with overlapping presentations using evidence-based differential diagnostic reasoning (Lai et al., 2019; Kildahl et al., 2021; Maddox et al., 2017; Rumball et al., 2020).
  5. Demonstrate foundational interviewing and diagnostic formulation skills during a supervised adult autism assessment practicum (NICE, 2021; Conner et al., 2019; APA, 2022).
  6. Develop clinically appropriate diagnostic impressions and recommendations using a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and neurodiversity-affirming assessment framework (Pantazakos & Vanaken, 2023; NICE, 2021; APA, 2022; Conner et al., 2019).

Continuing Education Approvals

This is an in-person training. This is a beginner-level course. Attendance at all sessions, and course evaluation is required to receive CE Certificate. Certificates are awarded online after completion of the workshop.  Participants print their own certificate after registering at CE-Classes.com, entering a keycode, and completing an evaluation form. Licensed Professionals should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval.

This course is approved for 12 CE credit hours. CEClasses.com is the provider of (CEs).  

CE-Classes.com is approved by:

  • The American Psychological Association (APA) CE-Classes.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE-Classes.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
  • California Board of Behavioral Sciences. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences, BBS, recognizes relevant course work/training that has been approved by nationally recognized certifying bodies, such as APA, to satisfy renewal requirements.
  • California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-12-174-0627 Expires 06-2027
  • California Board of Registered Nursing. CEP 15647 Expires 11/30/2026.
  • California Association of DUI Treatment Programs (CADTP) Provider Number 231
  • Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling Provider #852 BAP-Expires 3/31/2027
  • Florida Board of Nursing (CE Provider #: 50-4896) Expires 10/31/2026 Do not send certificates to the Florida Board of Nursing. You must keep this certificate for 4 years.
  • Florida Certification Board
  • Illinois - CE-Classes.com is a registered social work CE sponsor by the State of Illinois. License 159.001607 Expires 11/30/2027
  • Massachusetts Authorization Number: (TBD)
  • New York Mental Health Practitioners Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0260
  • New York Psychology Board CE-Classes.com, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0211
  • New York Social Work Board – CE-Classes.com is recognized by the New York State Education
    Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0120.
  • Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board - Approval from a state licensing board for counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists is accepted by the OH CSWMFTB.
  • Oklahoma Board of Behavioral Health Licensure (LPCs, LMFTs and LBCs)
  • South Carolina - CE-Classes.com is approved by the S.C. Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapist, Addiction Counselors, and Psycho-Educational Specialists (#4696).
  • Texas Board of Social Work Examiners – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
  • Texas Board of Professional Counselors – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education.  Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
  • Texas Board of Marriage & Family Therapists – CE-Classes.com meets the requirements for acceptable continuing education. Effective 1/1/24, at least half of the 30 hours must be obtained from a provider listed in 801.261(f). This course meets that requirement.
  • This course is NOT available for NBCC credit
  • This course does not offer ASWB ACE credit to social workers. However our state board approvals may be accepted for license renewal.  Check with your state board.

Note on Conflicts of Interest: There is no known commercial support or conflicts of interest for this program. 

Enroll in this 12 CE training for $300.

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