Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Today, more adults are recognizing symptoms associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. However, difficulties with social communication, anxiety associated with disruption of routines, difficulties with executive functioning, and other symptoms of Autism also overlap with other diagnoses. To complicate it further, there is a lot of variability in the presentation of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder, particularly among high-functioning adults. The focus of this seminar is to help clinicians identify symptoms of possible Autism Spectrum Disorder, know when to refer for a comprehensive psychological evaluation, and understand the implications of a diagnosis for an adult on the spectrum. Participants will gain understanding of differential diagnosis, the process of evaluating an adult for Autism Spectrum Disorder, and the interventions and resources available for adults who are identified on the spectrum.
• At the conclusion of this seminar, participants will be able to:
1. Describe the various impairments typically experienced by those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and discuss why two people with the same
condition may present very differently
2. List the testing and assessment options available for appropriate differential diagnosis, and discuss interpretation relative to an Autism diagnosis
3. Identify resources for treatment and support of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder
4. Describe how a diagnosis can be useful for an adult, and identify when to refer for a comprehensive psychological evaluation
4 APA Continuing Education (CE) credits are available upon completion.
- What: Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
- Who: Emily Crawford-Thompson, Ph.D.
Target Audience: Psychologists, clinical social workers, professional counselors, interns/residents in training, direct care and social services professionals, residential staff, day program staff, educators, service coordinators, case managers, and other professionals coordinating and applying treatment strategies for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The seminar is intended for an intermediate level provider. - When: 8 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.
- How much: $149
- CE: 4 APA Continuing Education (CE) credits available upon completion of course
- If you are interested in participating in this seminar, please email emily@columbiapsychology.com or send us a message using the form at the bottom of this page.
Columbia Psychology Healing Center LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Columbia Psychology Healing Center LLC maintains responsibility for these programs and their content. Instructors for Columbia Psychology Healing Center LLC certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or nonfinancial interest in the subject matter that would present any conflicts of interest. Columbia Psychology Healing Center LLC and its instructors do not receive any commercial support for CE programs.
About the instructor:
Emily Crawford-Thompson, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist who specializes in psychological evaluations with adults, including those who wish to be evaluated for possible Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is trained as a clinical psychologist and has specialized experience in psychological evaluations since 2009. She is well known in Columbia, Missouri as a trusted and compassionate psychologist with impeccable work that both providers and clients respect. She is trained in the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule), MIGDAS-2, and other evidence-based measures to assess Autism Spectrum Disorder. She also does comprehensive psychological evaluations to determine diagnoses and treatment recommendations for a range of issues including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the range of mood, anxiety, and thought disorders. She performs IQ testing and Learning Disorder testing, and evaluates independent living skills to provide concrete information about what kind of help individuals need to be more independent and enjoy their best quality of life. She also does evaluations to determine readiness to participate in bariatric surgery, spinal cord stimulator, and transplant procedures. Evaluations include a comprehensive written report with thorough, specific, and detailed recommendations for treatment and services, tailored to individual needs, and emphasizing strengths. Feedback includes a thorough discussion of results in which the client is encouraged to ask questions and share their feelings about direction moving forward. Dr. Crawford-Thompson also provides individual counseling, and she offers workshops for providers on a variety of topics including assessment in counseling, and autism in adults. She taught graduate assessment courses at Stephens College for several years, and prior to founding Columbia Psychology Healing Center LLC in 2020, she had over ten years experience in community mental health after completing her internship and postdoc experiences at the VA Hospital. She has supervised several providers for licensure, and facilitated peer supervision for many years. She is a published author of God is Talking: How a Green Iguana Taught Me to Listen, along with several academic journal articles and book chapters on topics pertaining to trauma and resilience. Dr. Emily and her friends began organizing annual Walk for Water-Columbia in 2012, and Dr. Emily and Columbia Psychology Healing Center have helped raise funds for Charity: Water global clean water efforts with monthly donations. Dr. Crawford-Thompson genuinely enjoys helping people, and offers an empathetic, collaborative, and strengths-focused approach.
