Operationalising the DSM 5 criteria for Autism - For Professionals

Do you want to feel more confident applying the DSM-5 criteria for autism in a clear, consistent, and neurodiversity-affirming way?
Are you looking to deepen your understanding of what each criterion means and how it presents across ages, genders, and neurotypes?
Would you like practical tools to guide your observation, questioning, and formulation in autism assessments?

This intermediate-level, 4-hour professional training is designed specifically for psychologists who conduct—or are seeking to strengthen their skills in—autism assessment. The session offers a comprehensive and practice-focused exploration of how to operationalise the DSM-5 criteria, translating diagnostic language into real-world understanding that honours lived experience and neurodiversity-affirming principles.

Participants will learn how to interpret and apply each criterion thoughtfully, exploring the range and nuance of presentations across different developmental stages and contexts. The training will also unpack how to identify, explore, and document behavioural examples, while recognising factors such as masking, sensory differences, co-occurring conditions, and environmental fit.

Key topics include:

• Understanding the DSM-5 diagnostic framework and its clinical implications
• Translating each autism criterion into observable and reportable behaviours
• Recognising how autism may present differently across gender, age, and communication styles
• Differentiating between behaviour driven by sensory, social, emotional, or environmental factors
• Conducting and documenting assessments that are both accurate and neurodiversity-affirming
• Integrating client perspectives and lived experience into formulation and reporting

Through case examples, discussion, and guided reflection, this workshop bridges theory and practice—helping psychologists move beyond checklists toward meaningful, person-centred assessment.

Ideal for psychologists with foundational assessment experience who wish to deepen their diagnostic confidence, align their practice with neuro-affirming principles, and deliver high-quality, compassionate assessments for autistic clients., while recognising factors such as masking, sensory differences, co-occurring conditions, and environmental fit.

All registered participants will receive a recording of this webinar as well as resources following the event.

Presenter: Shannon Lopez is a Clinical Psychologist, Board-Approved Supervisor and Principal Clinical Psychologist at Spencer Health. She has a strong interest in child and adolescent therapy, autism and ADHD assessment, and is a neurodiversity-affirming practitioner dedicated to evidence-based, compassionate care. With years of experience supporting children, adolescents and families, Shannon brings practical, real-world insights to these sessions.