Key issues in ASD assessment today

Your Instructor

Principal Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Annie’s Centre

Dr Anne Chalfant

Anne is a Principal Clinical Psychologist and the Director of Annie’s Centre based in Sydney. A successful author, speaker, podcast host, and researcher in child development and mental health, she consults across Australia and globally. Anne is internationally regarded for her expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). She is a member of both the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) and the Australasian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR). Anne began her early career developing and co-authoring the Autism Spectrum adaptation of the acclaimed Cool Kids Anxiety Program. She received the Australian Psychological Society National Clinical Psychology Conference Prize for Early Career Research for this work. In 2011, she published the book, Managing Anxiety in People with Autism, which subsequently became a finalist in the 2012 International Book Awards in the Psychology section. It has since sold thousands of copies worldwide. She also published the children’s book “Wally the Worried Wallaby in Dog-Gone Trouble” and the related parent guide as a way to assist families in preventing and managing anxiety in young children. In 2004, Anne was a pioneer in establishing a multidisciplinary private practice, which specialised in helping children with developmental and mental health difficulties. For over 15 years, Annie’s Centre was known as a centre for excellence in assessment, diagnosis and treatment for hundreds of children and families. Now, Anne splits her time between caring for her own five children, producing the Annie’s Centre podcast as a free support service to families, and conducting training courses and workshops. These are highly regarded by medical and allied health professionals across the globe.

Frequently asked questions

  • How long do I get access to the module/s for?

    You will have access to the modules for as long as the course program is live. It may be updated from time-to-time.

  • Who is the course for?

    This course is designed for allied health and medical professionals, including paediatricians, psychiatrists, psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and other professionals involved in the assessment and diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the principles of assessment also apply to clinicians who are assessing other conditions such as ADHD, and/or anxiety.

  • What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this course?

    While there are no specific prerequisites, a foundational understanding of child development, neurodevelopmental disorders, and basic knowledge of autism is recommended for optimal learning. In addition, some knowledge of the ASD assessment process or working in an organisation which conducts ASD assessment is required.

  • How long is the course duration, and can I complete it at my own pace?

    The course is self-paced, allowing you to progress through the material at your own speed. On average, it will take up to 2 hours to complete each module, if every activity is completed comprehensively.

  • Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?

    Yes, upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

  • Is this course evidence-based and up-to-date with current research and diagnostic criteria?

    Yes, the course content is based on the latest research in the field of autism assessment and diagnosis, and it aligns with current diagnostic criteria as outlined in the DSM-5.

  • Will I have opportunities to practice assessments or case studies?

    Yes, the course includes interactive elements such as case studies, quizzes, and practical exercises to reinforce your understanding and application of assessment techniques.

  • Terms of Use

    Terms of Use Much preparation has gone into the development of this e-course and the related resources. For this reason, these terms of use establish clear expectations and boundaries around the use of any module content and related materials. It is important to take strong steps to ensure confidentiality is maintained along with respect for intellectual property. Please understand that you are not permitted to access any module’s course content without consenting to these conditions. Client confidentiality All video recordings need to be treated with the same confidentiality as patients’ case notes. You undertake to fulfill all of the ethical requirements that have been specified below for use. Specifically, you understand and agree that: You will NOT record or copy any of the video material in whole or in part. You will keep access to videos through your e-course sign in details in conditions of strict security. You will be the only person to view the videos as a part of the e-course access. You will NOT share or show any footage from any videos to any other individual under any circumstance including (but not limited to) training, peer supervision or teaching. Intellectual property The intellectual property of Annie’s Centre Pty Ltd is respected. You understand and agree that: As a single user, you are entitled to access the module materials and downloads for your own learning and professional development. However, if you wish to share the module, in whole or in part, with colleagues, the module must be purchased by each individual user. The materials presented are the intellectual property of Dr Anne Chalfant, Annie’s Centre and you will not copy or distribute these to others without explicit permission from Annie’s Centre Pty Ltd. You will NOT screen record, duplicate, photograph, copy/paste or share any text, video material or images of clients in whole or in part. They are to be used in the context of this course only and are only available to those who have purchased the course. You will NOT attempt to record or reproduce any of the training material and use it with others as if it were your own. This includes the Module Toolkit downloads including the workbook, guides, templates, checklists, and other procedural or legal documents. You respect Dr Chalfant’s right to maintain intellectual property and copyright over material she has prepared and to report breaches of the above to the relevant legal and professional bodies. The workbook, guides and templates The guides and templates that are in Word format are intended to be used and adapted. Other templates provided will be in secure PDF format and are provided as examples to also be adapted to suit the needs of your own practice. If you wish to share a document with a colleague, please seek explicit permission from Annie’s Centre Pty Ltd.