Is This Autism? Recognizing the Less Obvious Presentations of Autism

Donna Henderson, PsyD, has been a clinical neuropsychologist for over 30 years. She is passionate about identifying and supporting autistic individuals, particularly those who camouflage.

Over the past few decades, the prevalence of autism has risen from 1 in 150 to 1 in 36. This is due in part to our better understanding of autistic individuals who camouflage. Recent research suggests that there are still significant numbers of undiagnosed people with autism, and that accurate diagnosis can be lifechanging for these individuals (and their families). However, many clinicians, both novice and seasoned, continue to feel ill-equipped to recognize autism and/or to rely on an outdated understanding of it. It is essential that all clinicians are updated on the ways to recognize when their clients may be autistic, particularly but not exclusively their female clients. This presentation will describe the DSM diagnostic criteria for autism and the many ways they can present, particularly in bright individuals with less obvious autistic traits.

• Describe the core characteristics of individuals with a less obvious presentation of autism.
• Identify ways that autistic females may present differently from autistic males.
• Name at least three subgroups of autistic people who are particularly vulnerable to being missed or misdiagnosed.

The Child Mind Institute Visiting Professor Lecture Series invites leaders in the field of child and adolescent mental health to talk about the latest research and treatment protocols. All events are open to the public. In partnership with Northwell Health, continuing medical education (CME) credits for psychiatrists and continuing education (CE) credits for psychologists are available to registered course participants.

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