What's in this module?

Hear from Anne

What's included

This module continues your exploration and development of a solid approach to differential diagnosis but with older clients rather than children. Through case studies that focus on adolescents and adults, the module focuses on comparing ASD with some mental health difficulties that are more commonly present in these populations. Several documents are provided as tools to add structure and reliability to your assessment approach.

  • Module Toolkit (a decision guide, other diagnoses versus ASD focussing on adolescents and adults, and 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: Adolescents

  • Case study: Adults

  • Other diagnoses vs ASD (Part 2) - Adolescents and adults

  • Obstacles and suggestions for assessment and diagnosis with adults

  • Making a decision

Skills 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.