ADULT DIAGNOSED AUTISM | CE Hours

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course delves into the complexities of atypical autism, a neurotype often overshadowed by the traditional model of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) taught to clinicians through the DSM. Through both scholarly literature and lived experience, this workshop will explore the experiences of autistic individuals and challenge the medical model of autism, guided by the interplay of behavior, neurobiology, social influences, and individual differences. Special attention will be given to the populations least likely to receive an autism diagnosis, and participants will explore the consequences of these disparities. Participants should leave the workshop with a more inclusive understanding of autism and specific strategies for working ethically and effectively with autistic clients for whom psychotherapy has been largely ineffective.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

1. Analyze the medical model in comparison to the social model of neurodiversity, while centering the autistic voice for an ethical understanding of autism.

2. Explore the influences on the development of autism as a diagnosis and a neurotype, including the history of autism, behavior, neurobiology, social influence, and individual difference.

3. Analyze the factors leading to and the consequences of under-diagnosis of autism among certain demographics.

4. Propose strategies to improve the accuracy and inclusivity of the autism diagnosis.

CLASS AGENDA

9:00-10:00 Analyze the medical model in comparison to the social model of neurodiversity, while centering the autistic voice for an ethical understanding of autism.

10:00-11:00 Explore the influences on the development of autism as a diagnosis and a neurotype, including the history of autism, behavior, neurobiology, social influence, and individual difference.

11:-00-11:30 Break

11:30-12:30 Analyze the factors leading to and the consequences of under-diagnosis of autism among certain demographics.

12:30-1:30 Propose strategies to improve the accuracy and inclusivity of the autism diagnosis.
FREE EBOOK

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN GAINING FURTHER KNOWLEDGE FROM OUR EBOOK ON NEURODIVERGENCE? This e-book is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional supervision, training, or therapy. The content reflects current knowledge in the field of neurodivergence and related clinical practices, but it does not constitute formal continuing education credit.
CONSULTATION

KEY CLINICAL FOCUS AREAS:

ATYPICAL AND ADULT AUTISM PRESENTATIONS

Internalized traits
Masking and compensatory strategies
Late diagnosis and identity development
Burnout versus depression

DIAGNOSTIC DISPARITIES

Gender and cultural bias in diagnosis
Overlap with trauma, anxiety, and personality disorders
Consequences of misdiagnosis

NEUROBIOLOGY AND PROCESSING DIFFERENCES

Sensory processing differences
Bottom-up versus top-down processing
Social communication differences

NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING PRACTICE

Reducing internalized ableism
Environmental and sensory accommodations
Ethical and inclusive therapeutic strategies

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

This adult autism continuing education course is appropriate for:

LPCs
LCSWs
LMFTs
Psychologists
Graduate-level clinicians
Mental health professionals working with adult clients

Especially valuable for clinicians seeking stronger competency in:

Late-diagnosed autism
Masking and burnout
Autism and trauma overlap
Neurodiversity-affirming therapy

WHY THIS AUTISM CONTINUING EDUCATION MATTERS

As adult autism recognition continues to increase, clinicians must expand beyond outdated stereotypes and childhood-only models. Effective care requires:

Updated neurobiological understanding
Awareness of masking and burnout
Cultural humility
Ethical neurodiversity-affirming frameworks

This autism continuing education course equips clinicians with the clarity and tools necessary to work confidently and ethically with autistic adults.

KDH COLLECTIVE ACEP NO. 7323

KDH COLLECTIVE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY NBCC AS AN APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER, ACEP NO. 7323. PROGRAMS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR NBCC CREDIT ARE CLEARLY IDENTIFIED. KDH COLLECTIVE IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAMS.

KDH COLLECTIVE PROVIDER #2506

KDH COLLECTIVE PROVIDER #2506, IS APPROVED 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:. 09/30/2025 - 09/30/2026. SOCIAL WORKERS COMPLETING THIS COURSE RECEIVE 4 CLINICAL CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS.

NEURODIVERGENCE IN THE THERAPY ROOM

Neurodivergence refers to individuals whose brains function differently, including those with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, Sensory Processing Disorders, and many other differences. It is common but often misunderstood, with many associated features and misdiagnoses. Mental health clinicians should understand neurodivergence in therapy to effectively work with clients. This webinar offers an introduction and focuses on diagnosis and working with neurodivergent clients in therapy. LEARN MORE

NEURODIVERGENCE: ADHD

This workshop provides therapists with a comprehensive understanding of ADHD, from its historical roots and DSM-5 diagnosis to its neurobiological impact. We'll explore assessment tools, the role of medication in collaborative care, and equip you with effective strategies for working with clients impacted by ADHD. LEARN MORE

NEURODIVERGENCE: SEX

This course offers mental health professionals a neurodiversity-affirming framework for addressing sexual health in clients with ADHD and/or Adult diagnosed Autism. We will explore how common neurodivergent traits impact sexual expression, intimacy, and relationships. Participants will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for assessment and intervention, including communication techniques, sensory-informed approaches, and ways to navigate executive function challenges. The class also covers ethical considerations, intersectionality, and addressing misconceptions to help you provide affirming and effective care. LEARN MORE

NEURODIVERGENCT TRAUMA: ADHD / AUTISM, & DISSOCIATION

A neurodiversity-affirming CEU for therapists to differentiate dissociation from ADHD/autism, map sensory profiles to the window of tolerance, then turn that clarity into client-ready tools. You’ll clarify the relationship between ADHD/autism and dissociation for accurate differential diagnosis and realistic treatment plans. Leave with practical screens, an ND-aligned stabilization skills. Ever wondered: is this autism/ADHD or trauma? Let’s explore the relationship between the two-trauma and neurodivergence-in the Neurodiversity-Affirming Trauma-Informed CEU. LEARN MORE

Whitney Storey, MS, LPC

KDH Director of Education & KDH Counselor

ASDCS Badge Whitney (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Senior Instructor of Psychology, therapist at KDH Counseling, and lifelong learner. With a Master of Science in Psychology and an additional Master of Science in Counselor Education. Whitney specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping individuals live value-driven lives to reach their full potential. With a decade of experience, she focuses on parenting, motherhood, perinatal mental health, identity, and incarceration. As a neurodivergent counselor and mother, her radical self-acceptance guides her unconditional positive regard for the people she interacts with daily.

Leaning into Neurodivergence: Autism

Whitney Storey, MS, LPC, and Monet David, MS, LPC, ADHD-CCSP discuss neurodivergence and leaning into the nuances of identifying and supporting the autism diagnosis in the therapy setting. Monet and Whitney get into misconceptions surrounding autism, the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and the specific aspects of therapy for autistic individuals. The significance of recognizing the lived experiences of autistic people, the challenges of masking, and how traditional diagnostic frameworks can sometimes fail to capture the true essence of autism, is invaluable to fostering a working therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.

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For LPCs, LMHCs, LCPCs, PLPCs, LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and other state-credentialed counselors

ADA NEEDS

We would be happy to accommodate your needs.

Contact us:

kdh@kdholmeslpc.com

Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to:

KDH Collective

4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Bldg I

Lafayette, La 70508

337-895-0300

kdh@kdholmeslpc.com

KDH COLLECTIVE has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP NO. 7323. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. KDH COLLECTIVE is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

We work hard to ensure the quality of our courses and educational materials. If you would like a refund, please email your request with an explanation to kd@kdholmeslpc.comwithin 48 of the live course, and we will review the refund request.

KDH Collective, 2506, 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: 09/30/2025-09/30/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 4 clinical continuing education credits.

To successfully complete this course and receive a certificate of completion / continuing education credit, participants must:

Attend the full live webinar course from start to finish.
Submit evaluations forms. (Completion of the evaluation is a required step before certificates are issued.)
CEU certifications will be emailed within a week of attending course and completing evaluations.