Autism Understanding Affirming Autism Assessments
Conduct Autism Assessments That Are Accurate, Respectful, Neurodiversity-Affirming and Clinically Meaningful
A comprehensive professional training for psychologists, clinicians, doctors and allied health professionals.
Autism assessment is evolving. Increasingly, clinicians are recognising that an autism assessment is not simply a diagnostic process. It is often a life-changing experience that can shape how an autistic person understands themselves, their strengths, their challenges, and their place in the world.
Yet many professionals receive limited training in how to conduct autism assessments in ways that are genuinely neurodiversity-affirming, person-centred, and responsive to the needs of autistic individuals and their families.
Affirming Autism Assessments has been developed to bridge that gap.
Presented by neurodiversity advocate and educator Lydia Meem, this comprehensive training program provides practical guidance for conducting autism assessments that are clinically rigorous while also being respectful, collaborative, strengths-based, and affirming.
Whether you assess children, adolescents, adults, or families seeking answers later in life, this course will provide tools, frameworks, examples, and resources that can immediately enhance your assessment practice.
The Challenge Facing Many Clinicians
Many professionals are highly skilled diagnosticians. However, autism assessment often raises questions that extend beyond diagnostic criteria:
- How do we create a safe and supportive assessment experience?
- How can we minimise stress and masking during assessments?
- What language is most respectful and affirming?
- How do we differentiate autism from trauma, attachment differences, ADHD, anxiety, and other presentations?
- How do we communicate findings in ways that support identity, understanding, and access to appropriate supports?
- What makes an autism report genuinely useful for individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and support providers?
These are the questions that this training addresses.
Affirming Autism Assessments Course
Autism assessments have the potential to do far more than identify diagnostic criteria. They can provide understanding, validation, clarity, and a pathway forward for autistic individuals and their families.
Enrol in this comprehensive professional training to learn how to conduct assessments that are clinically rigorous, neurodiversity-affirming, and genuinely meaningful for the people you support.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
MODULE 1
First Autism Conversations, Supporting Children and Families
Learn how to approach early conversations about autism with confidence, sensitivity, and respect.
Topics include:
- First autism conversations with families
- Supporting young autistic children
- Partnering effectively with neurodivergent clients and families
- Building trust throughout the assessment process
- Reducing anxiety and uncertainty for families
MODULE 2
Rethinking Traditional Autism Assessment
Explore how traditional assessment models can unintentionally create barriers and how neurodiversity-affirming approaches can improve both client experience and assessment quality.
Topics include:
- Creating a neurodiversity-affirming assessment experience
- Understanding masking and camouflaging
- Identifying barriers within traditional assessment models
- Adapting assessment processes to better support autistic individuals
MODULE 3
Selecting Assessment Tools for Autism & ADHD
Gain clarity around assessment selection across the lifespan.
Topics include:
- Screening and assessment tools for children
- Assessment tools for adolescents
- Adult autism assessment tools
- ADHD assessment considerations
- Choosing appropriate tools for different presentations
- Practical reference guide to autism screening and assessment instruments
MODULE 4
Differential and Dual Considerations
One of the most complex aspects of autism assessment is understanding overlapping and co-occurring presentations.
Topics include:
- Autism and ADHD
- Autism and trauma
- Attachment differences
- Demand avoidance
- Differential diagnosis considerations
- Chronic medical conditions commonly seen in autistic and ADHD populations
MODULE 5
Neurodiversity-Affirming Report Writing
Move beyond deficit-focused reporting. Learn how to create reports that communicate clinical findings clearly while supporting understanding, self-advocacy, and access to appropriate supports.
Topics include:
- Strengths-based report writing
- Neurodiversity-affirming language
- Practical report structure
- Translating assessment findings into meaningful recommendations
- Real-world report examples
Includes sample assessment reports and templates.
MODULE 6
Feedback and Recommendations
A diagnosis is not the end of the journey. Learn how to provide feedback and recommendations that are practical, affirming, and genuinely useful.
Topics include:
- Delivering feedback effectively
- Supporting autistic identity development
- Recommendations that empower rather than overwhelm
- Resources for clinicians and families
- Building clear pathways for next steps
Included Resources
In addition to over 10 hours of professional training, you'll receive access to a comprehensive resource library, including:
- A-Z of Autism Screening and Assessment Tools
- Neurodivergent Student Profile
- Adult Autism Level 1 Sample Report
- Child Autism, ADHD and Adaptive Assessment Example
- Recommendation Menu
- Clinician Guides and Reference Resources
- Differential Diagnosis Resources
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment Materials
Who This Training Is For
This program is suitable for:
- Psychologists
- Clinical Psychologists
- Educational and Developmental Psychologists
- Paediatricians
- Psychiatrists
- Occupational Therapists
- Speech Pathologists
- Allied Health Professionals
- Educators involved in assessment processes
- Clinicians seeking to update their autism assessment practices
What Makes This Training Different?
Many autism assessment trainings focus primarily on diagnostic criteria and testing tools.
This program focuses equally on the human experience of assessment.
It examines how assessment processes impact autistic people, families, and clients—and how clinicians can create experiences that are both diagnostically sound and affirming.
The result is an assessment practice that is:
🩵 More respectful
🩵More collaborative
🩵 More informed by lived experience
🩵 Better aligned with current neurodiversity-informed practice
🩵 More meaningful for clients and families
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, you will be able to:
- Conduct autism assessments using neurodiversity-affirming principles
- Select appropriate assessment tools across different age groups
- Navigate complex differential diagnosis considerations
- Write strengths-based autism assessment reports
- Deliver assessment feedback with confidence and sensitivity
- Develop practical recommendations that support meaningful outcomes
- Improve the overall assessment experience for autistic individuals and their families
FAQ
Is this course suitable for experienced clinicians?
Yes. While the course is accessible to professionals newer to autism assessment, it is particularly valuable for experienced clinicians looking to update their practice through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. The training explores contemporary assessment approaches, report writing, differential diagnosis considerations, and practical strategies that can be immediately integrated into clinical work.
Who will benefit most from this course?
This training is ideal for professionals who want to strengthen their confidence in conducting autism assessments, writing meaningful reports, and providing neurodiversity-affirming feedback and recommendations. It is suitable for both clinicians new to autism assessment and experienced practitioners seeking to update and refine their approach.
Does the course cover both children and adults?
Yes. The training addresses assessment considerations across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults. It explores assessment tools, report writing, feedback processes, and support recommendations relevant to different age groups and presentations.
Will I receive practical resources and templates?
Absolutely. Enrolment includes access to a comprehensive resource library featuring assessment tool guides, sample reports, recommendation resources, clinician reference materials, differential diagnosis resources, and neurodiversity-affirming assessment tools that can support your day-to-day practice.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will receive immediate access to the course and can complete the training at your own pace. You may revisit the lessons and resources whenever needed, making it a valuable ongoing reference for your clinical work.
How do I access the course?
Once you enrol, you will receive immediate access to the course materials through the online learning platform. You can log in at any time and work through the training at your own pace from any device with internet access.
The Future of Autism Assessment
Autistic people and families are increasingly seeking assessment experiences that feel respectful, collaborative, and affirming. This training provides the knowledge, tools, and practical frameworks to help clinicians meet that need while maintaining clinical excellence and professional integrity.
Learn how to conduct autism assessments that support understanding, dignity, and meaningful outcomes.
Affirming Autism Assessment Course
- Self-paced online training
- Immediate access
- Over 12 hours of CPD learning (videos, audio, resources)
- Downloadable resources and templates
- Practical clinical examples
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Certificate of Completion provided
COST: AUD$990 incl GST (or 3 instalments of $330)
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Strengthen Your Autism Assessment Practice
Build confidence. Improve outcomes. Create more affirming assessment experiences.
Strengthen Your Autism Assessment Practice
Build confidence. Improve outcomes. Create more affirming assessment experiences.