Events - Event View

Session 1

Diagnosing and Supporting Autistic Adults: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach

Jessica Solomon Sanders, MD

"Diagnosing and Supporting Autistic Adults: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach” is a comprehensive presentation exploring the challenges and updates in lifespan autism diagnosis and treatment. Many autistic adults face late identification and a lack of standardized assessment and treatment tools, making clinical history and self-reports essential. This session will examine the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), applied behavior analysis (ABA), vocational and social skills training in addition to the importance of age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate medical care. Attendees will explore the critical role of employment counseling, workplace accommodations, and job coaching in fostering career success. Given the high prevalence of co-occurring conditions—such as anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, and sleep disturbances—coordinated medical and mental health care is paramount. Integrated community, family, and health care teams are essential for enhancing the well-being of autistic adults. This presentation offers a neurodevelopmental disability physician’s perspective on diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support for autistic individuals that promotes the strengths and enhances the overall lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Objectives:

1. Define Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Terminology – Discuss ableism and terms that
   promote neurodiversity-affirming care. Discuss the varying language/vocabulary that different
   populations prefer.
2. Understand the Diagnostic Process – Recognize the challenges in diagnosing autism in adults,
   including late identification, misdiagnosis, and the limitations of current assessment tools.
   Understand the role of genetic testing.
3.  Apply a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach – Identify strategies for providing strength-based,
   individualized care that respects and supports autistic individuals.
4.  Address Employment and Workplace Needs – Understand the importance of employment
   counseling, workplace accommodations, and job coaching in promoting career success for
   autistic individuals.
5. Expand Access to Care and Resources – Develop strategies to improve accessibility to
   diagnostic services, collaboration with medical teams, treatment options, and long-term support
   systems for autistic individuals.

Session 2

Great Minds Are Not All the Same

Temple Grandin, PhD

Dr. Temple Grandin will present research that shows that there are three ways that people think. They are object visualizers who think in pictures and mathematical visual spatial thinkers who think in patterns. The third type are word thinkers. Many people are combinations of the three types of thinking. Object visualizers would be good at fixing mechanical things and the mathematical minds would be good at
chemistry and physics. Dr. Grandin will also provide tips on getting and keeping successful employment and ways to manage sensory oversensitivity.

Objectives:

1. Understand different types of thinking
2. Help autistic people get and keep employment
3. Understand sensory problems in autism

CNS Member (CE credits)*                    $75.00

Non-CNS Member (CE credits)               $100.00

Non-CNS Member (No CE credits)  $75.00

CNS Member Student (No CE credits)*     $20.00

Fees must be paid through the registration options above; checks will not be accepted!  Refunds available for until registration deadline.

Please Note: For in-person attendance, space is limited and registration will close on May 10, 2025 at midnight. For the virtual option, registration will remain open until 6/22/2025 at midnight.