A research-informed, neurodiversity-affirming, case-based workshop on diagnostic decision-making for the real world.

With growing awareness of neurodevelopmental conditions, more people than ever are seeking out assessments to explore autism and ADHD across the lifespan (Lang, 2024). Getting a diagnosis can be life-changing, with some people describing it as the most important event in their lives (Arnold et al., 2020). Missing a diagnosis can have serious consequences like loss of opportunities and poorer mental health (French & Cassidy, 2026; Holden et al., 2025). The stakes are high and there is a lot of pressure to get it right. Sometimes the diagnostic conclusion is straightforward. But in many situations, clinicians encounter confusing data, overlapping traits, and discrepant reports, which can make them struggle with decision-making. When autism and ADHD co-occur (sometimes referred to as AuDHD), the case can be particularly murky.  

This workshop uses case examples to provide decision-making guidance for the real world. Building on research and clinical insight you will dive into live case discussion of people across the lifespan and you will be supported in thinking through complex cases in the moment. In addition to research evidence and clinical knowledge, you will learn from interviews with people with firsthand experience of autism and ADHD, including Dr. Steven Kapp, an Autistic researcher who has been cited over 15000 times, Dr. Lucas Harrington, Autistic psychologist and consultant, and Zack Siddeek, MSW, Autistic social worker and community organizer.  

We will discuss recommended tools and review various types of results, including the trickier kind that often does not get included in textbooks and manuals. Research-informed guidance will be offered for selecting and interpreting tools. Live discussion will be used to work through complex issues as they come up. We will explore ways to take a collaborative approach with clients and families while also valuing clinical expertise. This workshop covers a variety of complex cases from toddlerhood through late adulthood. We will answer questions like: 

–          How do you decide if autism or ADHD are present when trauma is part of the picture? 

–          How do we balance recognizing strengths with providing the type of evidence needed to access support? 

–          What should we do if the data from collateral sources does not line up with other findings? 

–          How should we handle it when a client or parent’s perception does not mesh with our conclusions? 

–          How does the concept of masking fit into evidence-based assessment? 

–          How does socio-economic status affect the experience of autism and ADHD? 

–          What do social media depictions have to do with real-world clinical cases? 

You will receive helpful tools that you can start using right away, as well as time set aside for Q and A with Dr. Woods so you can get personalized feedback for your specific situations. You will walk away with a new perspective and increased confidence and effectiveness for supporting clients with complex presentations across the lifespan. 

Presented by Sara Woods, PhD

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This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 3.0 CEs for Psychologists, 3.0 IL CEUs for Counselors and Social Workers, 3.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, 3.0 NASP CPDs for School Psychologists, 3.0 ISBE CPDUs for Illinois Educators, or 3.0 NBCC Clock Hours.

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TO VIEW MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT:

https://tcsppofficeofce.com/oct_30_2026/