To celebrate Autism Awareness Week we are put on this FREE webinar, to look at the evidence-base, focus on the facts, and bust some myths when it comes to Autism. It’s was aimed at parents, mental health professionals, special education professionals, and those with an interest in Autism.
Dr. Ann Ozsivadjian, and Dr. Marianna Murin, led the session. Slides from the session.
ACAMH Members can receive a CPD certificate, simply email and let us know the date and time that you watched the recording.
This World Autism Acceptance Week (28 March – 3 April), we encourage you to explore the learning opportunities available on our website, and to share with your networks. Free resources.
About the speakers
Independent Clinical Psychologist and Visiting Senior Lecturer, King’s College London
Ann Ozsivadjian is a Clinical Psychologist in independent practice who worked for several years as the senior psychologist in a specialist complex neurodevelopmental disorders team at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, providing assessments and treatments for a wide range of neurodevelopmental difficulties and co-occurring conditions. Her particular research interests and clinical specialism are mental health problems in ASD and adapting interventions for young people on the autism spectrum, and she regularly presents at conferences on these topics. She also provides training courses across the UK on the assessment and treatment of mental health problems in autism spectrum disorders. She has published a number of papers and co-authored book chapters. She has also produced a number of podcasts and webinars in conjunction with the Association of Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She currently works in independent practice and is also a visiting senior lecturer at King’s College London.
Dr. Marianna Murin
Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Senior Clinical Tutor at the Anna Freud Centre and University College London
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with full membership in regulatory professional organisations – the British Psychological Society, and professional recognition from the Health Professions Council. For over twenty years, I have dedicated my work to promoting the psychological well-being of people on the Autism Spectrum and improving understanding of ASD as an international trainer in diagnostics of ASD, lecturer, writer and therapist. (bio via ASD Directions)
Discussion
Given all the main criteria for diagnosis you are also listing as potential myths, what is the objective basis for a diagnosis? Given the large variability of presentations and challenges you are listing, what is the point of a diagnosis when it comes to formulating a treatment plan?