Deborah Fein, Ph.D. Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Psychology University of Connecticut

This course will address some of the current issues that clinical neuropsychologists face when assessing individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We will discuss some of the difficulties applying the DSM-5 criteria to various subgroups of ASD, as well as related difficulties in communicating about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options with parents. We will then discuss key areas to consider in completing neuropsychological assessment with school aged and adolescent individuals with ASD, including common medical and psychological comorbidities that may require referrals. We will consider possible outcomes, and discuss the early predictors of various probable outcomes. While not covering the broad topic of imaging in-depth, we will consider one imaging study and its implications for change within individuals with ASD. While evidence-based treatment for ASD comprises a very large body of literature, we will discuss several new therapies and some challenges with providing COVID-constrained therapy. We will briefly discuss the neurodiversity movement, with its disapproval of therapy aimed at reducing ASD symptoms.

After the webinar, participants will be able to:

Target Audience: Clinical Neuropsychologists

Instructional Level: Introductory to Intermediate