Summary

This presentation provides an introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) with a focus on how it presents in adults and how clinicians can provide informed, affirming support. Participants will review the current diagnostic criteria for ASD and explore common ways autism may manifest later in life, including presentations that may be missed or misunderstood.

The session will also examine the different ASD severity levels and discuss appropriate supports for each level, while highlighting common barriers adults face when attempting to access diagnostic services and ongoing care. In addition, the presentation will address the professional scope and limitations of clinicians in diagnosing ASD, emphasizing the importance of appropriate referral and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Participants will learn affirming, neurodiversity-informed language that supports respectful communication and strengthens therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent clients.


Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder and how ASD presents in adults.
  2. Identify appropriate supports for each severity level and barriers to accessing supports.
  3. Understanding professional limitations and diagnostic ability.
  4. Learn affirming language that helps clinicians connect with neurodivergent clients. 


Target Audience

Counselors, social workers, psychologists, medication managers

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Practitioners

Course Format 

Live, interactive, synchronous webinar

Course Creation Date: 4/10/26

How the CE Process Works

  • Format

    This course is a 2 hour live webinar

  • Instructions

    1. Create an account to enroll in the course. 2. Stay for the full session 3. Log into your account to complete the course evaluation.

  • Certificate Information

    Your certificate be available for download in the student dashboard once you complete the evaluation. We'll keep your certificate on file for 7 years.

Meet our guest

Guest Instructor Katharine Johnson

LCMHC, CAS, is an outpatient therapist with advanced training in Neuro-Psychotherapy. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. She provides trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care to adolescents and adults, with a clinical focus on neurodevelopmental differences. She has extensive experience working with individuals pursuing late or adult Autism diagnosis and collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams to reduce misdiagnosis and improve continuity of care.

Counselors

Creasman Counseling PLLC's courses meet the qualifications for CE hours as required by NBCC. Beyond Therapy has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP #7234. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Creasman Counseling, PLLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.
NBCC ACEP Logo

Course Content Development

Autism and Neurodivergence in Counseling Settings was created, developed, advertised, planned, and implemented by the staff of Creasman Counseling, PLLC. 



All associated learning content are developed by the professional mental health services team at Creasman Counseling, PLLC. Our staff of licensed, board-certified counselors and social workers are committed to creating engaging, evidence-based, and practice-ready content for your growth as a clinician.

Creasman Counseling, PLLC is a Professional Limited Liability Company registered in North Carolina. Creasman Counseling Continuing Education is a department of Creasman Counseling, PLLC offering in-person, live webinar, and recorded asynchronous learning content including the Beyond Therapy Podcast.

FAQ

  • How will I get my certificate?

    After completing the post-course evaluation, you'll receive an email with your certificate within 24 hours. You can also access your certificate anytime in the Thinkific student dashboard.

  • How do I request accommodations?

    To request accommodations, please email [email protected] and indicate the sort of accommodation you would like.

  • If I have questions or concerns, how do I get in touch?

    Please email [email protected] with questions, concerns, or complaints. You can read more in our Grievance Policy, linked in the footer.

  • What is your refund/cancellation policy?

    We do not offer refunds for our continuing education products.

  • What are the system requirements to access this course content?

    The most recent version of Chrome or Firefox (internet explorer is not supported); Javascript enabled; PDF plugin; Graphic and audio output capability; Broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps (recommended); TLS 1.2 supported by your web browser