What's in this module?

Hear from Anne

What's included

You have gathered all your assessment data but don’t know if it is ASD or something else. This module introduces you to differential diagnosis and helps you build a reliable process for decision making. Inclusive of case studies, it will provide comparisons between ASD and other diagnoses, with a focus on early childhood and primary-school-age children.

  • Module Toolkit (a decision guide, a list of important milestones and ASD diagnosis, a list of other diagnoses versus ASD focusing on childhood, this module’s workbook)

  • Instructional videos

  • Two case studies

Module Outline

The module includes the following lessons:

  • What is differential diagnosis and why is it challenging in ASD assessment?

  • Case study: Younger children

  • Case study: Primary-school-age children

  • Other diagnoses vs ASD Part 1

  • Important milestones and ASD diagnosis

  • Guidance on making a decision

Skill Development

This module focuses on the following skills:

  • Researching

    Collecting and analysing client information to identify patterns and insights, and form hypotheses.

  • Attention to detail

    Enhancing assessment accuracy through meticulous attention to detail

  • Decision making/ critical thinking

    Evaluating the available information to make sound judgements and decisions.

Instructor(s)

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.