This asynchronous, audio continuing education course, led by Dr. Sarah Woods and Dr. Jeremy Sharp, explores the critical transition from a deficit-based medical model to a neurodiversity-affirming paradigm in autism assessment. By engaging with this material, participants will develop the clinical and conceptual tools necessary to provide evaluations that are both evidence-based and identity-affirming across the lifespan.

The program begins by establishing a framework to define and apply the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm. Clinicians will move beyond traditional diagnostic limitations, learning to prioritize collaborative, patient-led care that views diverse neurotypes as natural and valuable variations of the human experience. This includes understanding the “Double Empathy Problem,” which shifts the focus from “broken” social abilities to a mutual mismatch in communication styles between neurotypes. Participants will learn how this research provides a scientific justification for a more balanced approach to assessing social skills.

A central focus of the course is the clinical skill required to reframe traditionally perceived “deficits” of autism using research-informed perspectives. The material provides practical reframing techniques, teaching clinicians to view behaviors—such as repetitive play, stimming, and “restricted” interests—not as symptoms to be eliminated, but as essential tools for sensory regulation, cognitive development, and deep expertise. This reframing allows for a more nuanced differential diagnosis, helping providers distinguish core autistic traits from co-occurring conditions like anxiety or trauma without pathologizing the individual’s identity.

Finally, the program addresses the practical application of these concepts in clinical documentation and advocacy. Attendees will learn to balance strengths-based evaluations with the validation of individual challenges by utilizing tools such as the ASSASI (Autism Strengths and Skills Associated with Special Interests). Participants will gain strategies for drafting clinical reports that authentically integrate autistic strengths to improve a client’s self-confidence and success in school or workplace settings. By centering the client’s lived experience, clinicians will learn to act as ethical advocates, ensuring the assessment process serves as a supportive roadmap for the client’s future.

Original Course Publication 4/2026

NAADAC Online CE Completion limits: There is a limit of 8 hours (8 CE) of credit for online courses within a 24-hour period.

Click here to view our policy on Fees, Refunds, and Cancellations 

The course will be available in your account immediately after purchase. The Course Completion Certificate and Letter of Completion will be immediately available in your account upon successful completion of the course post-test (a score of 80% or higher) and completion of the course evaluation. You will have unlimited attempts to pass the post-test.

Do you have questions about this course? Do you require accessibility accommodations? Please visit our FAQ page or Contact Us and we'll be happy to help.

At Health, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. At Health, LLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

At Health, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6949. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. At Health, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Athealth.com is approved as a continuing education provider by the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, the Association for Addiction Professionals. #148460.

At Health, LLC, Provider #1707, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit.  ACE provider approval period: 5/3/2023-5/3/2026.

It is At Health’s understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for social work in Arkansas.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.

It is At Health’s understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, master’s level psychologists, licensed clinical psychotherapists, and alcohol and other drug abuse counselors in Kansas.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.

It is At Health’s understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for mental health practice and for social work in Nebraska.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.

It is At Health’s understanding that these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for psychologists, pastoral psychotherapists, clinical social workers, clinical mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and alcohol and drug abuse counselors in New Hampshire.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.

It is At Health’s understanding that  these programs meet the criteria of an approved continuing education program for social workers, professional counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical pastoral therapists in Tennessee.  State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.

Other jurisdictions may accept trainings offered by At Health, LLC for your continuing education requirements. Restrictions may apply. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit.”

Page last modified or reviewed by athealth.com on Apr 24, 2026.

About Dr. Sara Woods

Dr. Woods is a clinical psychologist who specializes in assessment across the lifespan at the University of Washington Autism Center and in private practice at Discover Psychology Services. She has been licensed as a psychologist for over 10 years. She offers continuing education training and consultation to other psychologists, providers, and graduate students to help them better understand how to complete evidence-based assessments in a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based ways. She is passionate about bringing communities together to better understand autism, ADHD, Bipolar, and other types of neurodivergence.

Get in Touch & Resources:

• Website: www.laceypsychology.com
• Email: drsara@discoverpsychservices.com
• Website: https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/about/clinical-staff/

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

Dr. Sharp is  a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that he founded in 2009 and has grown to over 20 clinicians. He earned his undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting his Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, he specializes in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, Dr. Sharp provides private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. He live in Fort Collins, Colorado with his wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

To access and complete this course, your device must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Browser: A modern web browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari — current or one version prior). Internet Explorer is not supported.
• JavaScript: JavaScript must be enabled in your browser settings to navigate lessons, take quizzes, and access course materials.
• PDF Viewer: A PDF viewer is required to open course handouts, transcripts, and certificates. Most browsers include a built-in PDF viewer; alternatively, Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) can be used.
• Cookies: Cookies must be enabled to maintain your login session and save your course progress.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is required. Video and audio courses may require higher bandwidth for smooth playback.

If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our support team for assistance.