Course Overview
This training is designed to deepen participants' understanding of the "lost generation" of Autistic adults—those who were often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to non-stereotypical presentations of autism or changes in diagnostic criteria over the past 20 years. The first hour of the program will focus on reviewing the concept of the "lost generation," including the socio-cultural factors that contributed to this phenomenon and current research on masking and non-stereotypical presentations. Participants will gain insight into how these factors have led to a significant population of Autistic adults being overlooked in clinical settings.
In the second hour, the training will explore the constellation of diagnoses that frequently accompany autism. Participants will be guided through the DSM-5 criteria, with an emphasis on understanding how these criteria apply to Autistic adults, especially those who do not present in stereotypical ways. This section aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge to better recognize and diagnose autism in adults.
The final hour will review the importance of accurate identification, highlighting the heightened risks associated with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed autism, such as increased rates of suicide, substance use, and eating disorders. This hour will also cover the role of identity and community in supporting Autistic adults. Participants will learn practical strategies for incorporating effective screening tools into their intake processes, ensuring that Autistic adults receive the support they need from the outset of their clinical journey.
The content is evidence-based, drawing on recent research publications and the lived experience of the presenter, highlighting the unique challenges and needs of Autistic adults who were not identified in childhood. The program is designed to provide clinicians with the tools and knowledge necessary to recognize and support this often-overlooked population.
Learning Objectives
- Participants will recognize the concept of the “lost generation” of Autistic adults and identify key research on masking and non-stereotypical presentations of autism.
- Participants will identify the constellation of diagnoses often associated with autism and understand how the DSM-5 criteria apply to adults with non-stereotypical presentations.
- Participants will summarize the importance of accurate identification, including risks such as suicide, substance use, and eating disorders, and discuss how to incorporate screening tools into clinical intake processes.
Course Outline
| Module | Topic |
|---|---|
| MODULE 1 | Section 1: Understanding the "Lost Generation" of Autistic Adults |
| MODULE 2 | Section 2: Masking, Non-Stereotypical Presentations, and DSM Criteria (30 minutes) |
| MODULE 3 | Section 3: Exploring the Constellation of Diagnoses Accompanying Autism |
| MODULE 4 | Section 4: Introduction to Screening Tools for Autism in Adults (30 minutes) |
| MODULE 5 | Section 5: The Importance of Accurate Identification and Screening (60 minutes) |
Instructor Bio
Course Bibliography
*See course registration page.
Approvals
Cognitive Behavior Institute, #1771, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 06/30/2022-06/30/2025. Social workers completing this course receive 3.5 clinical continuing education credits.
Cognitive Behavior Institute, LLC 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-0098 and the State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0646 and the State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0216.
Cognitive Behavior Institute has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7117. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Cognitive Behavior Institute is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Cognitive Behavior Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cognitive Behavior Institute maintains responsibility for content of this program.
Social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors in Pennsylvania can receive continuing education from providers approved by the American Psychological Association. Since CBI is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education, licensed social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors in Pennsylvania will be able to fulfill their continuing education requirements by attending CBI continuing education programs. For professionals outside the state of Pennsylvania, you must confirm with your specific State Board that APA approved CE's are accepted towards your licensure requirements. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) has a process for approving individual programs or providers for continuing education through their Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. ACE approved providers and individual courses approved by ASWB are not accepted by every state and regulatory board for continuing education credits for social workers. Every US state other than New York accepts ACE approval for social workers in some capacity: New Jersey only accepts individually approved courses for social workers, rather than courses from approved providers. The West Virginia board requires board approval for live courses, but accepts ASWB ACE approval for other courses for social workers. For more information, please see https://www.aswb.org/ace/ace-jurisdiction-map/. Whether or not boards accept ASWB ACE approved continuing education for other professionals such as licensed professional counselors or licensed marriage and family therapists varies by jurisdiction. To determine if a course can be accepted by your licensing board, please review your board’s regulations or contact them. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.