Understanding autism in adults

The cover image shows Donald Triplett, the first person diagnosed with autism by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1941, who recently passed away in June of this year at the age of 89. Increasingly, adults are wondering if some of their characteristics might fall within the autism spectrum. They have filled out online screening questionnaires or read about the diagnostic characteristics of the DSM-5. But even after all these years, many adults still question whether or not they are on the autism spectrum. This program aims to help people better understand what characteristics might be present in an adult. Who is this program for? No prior experience or qualifications are required to participate in this program, but it may be of interest to autism professionals, healthcare professionals, autistic individuals, and parents or caregivers. What topics will be covered? 1. What is autism? 2. Social communication skills 3. Sensory sensitivities and repetitive behaviors 4. Co-occurring conditions (psychiatric comorbidities) 5. Strengths and challenges of autistic people 6. Lived experiences of autistic people What will you be able to achieve by the end of the program? By the end of the program, you will be able to: 1. Understand the differences in autistic characteristics; 2. Identify differences in social communication skills and understand why these differences occur; 3. Summarize knowledge about sensory experiences and repetitive behaviors; 4. Explain why many autistic people have other co-occurring diagnoses; 5. Identify the strengths and difficulties experienced by autistic people; 6. Explore and discuss lived experiences of autistic people;