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Harvard Navigating the Frontiers of Autism 2024
Explore Cutting-Edge Insights in Autism Diagnosis & Treatment
Despite advances in recent years, there are several aspects of autism and its clinical care that are not well understood. These ‘gray areas’ require exploration and further research to improve our capacity to provide tailored and optimal clinical care to patients. Clinicians must therefore keep up to date on this widely variable disorder and the latest innovative strategies to treat it.
New frontiers in our understanding of autism include: differences in how autism presents in girls; missed or inappropriate diagnosis in less obvious cases; the relationship between autism and gender identity; the overlap of autism and ADHD; and medication management that effectively addresses associated symptoms. Irritability is also a common problem in autism that is poorly defined and requires a multi-modal approach to care. Finally, there is a need to increase awareness of the double burden of patients with autism and racial, ethnic, linguistic, or social disadvantage who suffer delays in assessment and treatment.
This course aims to help clinicians better identify and treat these challenging aspects of autism. The day will culminate in a lived experience panel with several individuals and family members sharing their unique and impactful stories. All clinicians treating children, adolescents, or adults with autism are welcome!
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the markers of autism that most commonly present in girls or high-functioning individuals.
- Explore issues of gender identity in people with autism.
- Manage executive function in ASD using targeted strategies.
- Outline key approaches to the pharmacologic management of associated symptoms.
- Utilize clinical strategies to manage the symptom of irritability in ASD.
- Summarize the excess burden of suffering for minoritized patients with autism and how it results in further deleterious clinical outcomes.
- Review how the challenges of neurodiversity have been experienced by individuals with autism.
Let’s take a look at the topics
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the topics covered in the Navigating the Frontiers of Autism 2024 course. Each session addresses critical challenges in autism diagnosis and treatment, presented by leading experts in the field.
1️⃣ Understanding and Assessing Autism
🕘 9:15 – 10:15 AM | Speaker: Dr. Donna Henderson
✅ Key Focus:
- How autism presents differently in girls and high-functioning individuals.
- Camouflaging behaviors and why many autistic individuals go undiagnosed.
- Differentiating autism from similar conditions (e.g., anxiety, social communication disorders).
- Practical tools for better identification and assessment.
📌 Why it Matters:
Many individuals—especially women and high-functioning autistic people—are often misdiagnosed or overlooked. Clinicians must learn subtle diagnostic markers to provide accurate assessments.
2️⃣ Comorbid ADHD & Autism: Executive Function Challenges
🕙 10:20 – 11:20 AM | Speaker: Dr. Russell Schachar
✅ Key Focus:
- The frequent overlap of ADHD and autism.
- Understanding executive function deficits in individuals with both ASD and ADHD.
- How to differentiate ASD from ADHD using response inhibition and cognitive assessments.
- Best practices for managing attention, impulse control, and organization skills.
📌 Why it Matters:
Up to 50% of autistic individuals also meet the criteria for ADHD. Many treatment strategies for ADHD don’t work the same way for autistic individuals. This session helps clarify interventions for patients with dual diagnoses.
3️⃣ Managing Irritability in Autism Spectrum Disorder
🕚 11:25 AM – 12:25 PM | Speaker: Dr. Raman Baweja
✅ Key Focus:
- Understanding the causes of irritability in autistic individuals.
- Pharmacological vs. non-medication approaches to treatment.
- The role of atypical antipsychotics (e.g., risperidone, aripiprazole) in ASD-related irritability.
- The importance of behavioral interventions alongside medication.
📌 Why it Matters:
Irritability and emotional dysregulation can significantly affect daily functioning. Proper assessment and treatment strategies can improve quality of life.
4️⃣ Psychopharmacology: Clinical Gaps & Recent Advances
🕐 1:05 – 2:05 PM | Speaker: Dr. Robyn Thom
✅ Key Focus:
- A review of evidence-based medications for ASD-related symptoms.
- How to manage comorbid mood disorders, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors.
- Advances in single-gene disorder treatments linked to ASD.
- Future directions in autism psychopharmacology.
📌 Why it Matters:
There are no FDA-approved medications for the core symptoms of autism, only for associated conditions like irritability. Understanding new research and evolving treatment strategies is crucial.
5️⃣ “Stuck at the Crossroads”: The Intersection of Developmental Delay & Social Inequity
🕑 2:10 – 3:10 PM | Speaker: Dr. Margaret Weiss
✅ Key Focus:
- How race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status affect autism diagnosis & treatment.
- The delayed diagnosis crisis in minoritized communities.
- Barriers to accessing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and mental health care.
- The role of health literacy, insurance challenges, and stigma in autism treatment disparities.
📌 Why it Matters:
Autistic individuals from marginalized communities often receive later diagnoses and less treatment, leading to worse long-term outcomes. This session helps clinicians advocate for equitable care.
6️⃣ Gender Diversity, Autism, and Mental Health
🕒 3:15 – 4:15 PM | Speaker: Dr. Anna van der Miesen
✅ Key Focus:
- The high prevalence of autism in transgender and gender-diverse individuals.
- Understanding the unique mental health needs of gender-diverse autistic individuals.
- The intersection of autism, gender identity, and neurodiversity-affirming care.
- Clinical considerations for supporting gender-diverse autistic individuals.
📌 Why it Matters:
Studies suggest up to 22.5% of transgender adolescents are autistic. Traditional treatment models often fail to consider the intersectionality of gender diversity and autism. This session provides guidance on affirming care.
7️⃣ Lived Experience Panel: Real Stories from Autistic Individuals & Families
🕓 4:20 – 5:50 PM | Speakers: Autistic individuals & family members, moderated by Dr. Margaret Weiss & Dr. Peter Daniolos
✅ Key Focus:
- First-hand experiences from autistic individuals & caregivers.
- How clinicians can improve patient-provider relationships.
- The impact of late diagnosis on mental health.
- Challenges and strengths of living with autism.
📌 Why it Matters:
Hearing directly from autistic individuals provides insight into real-world experiences that research alone cannot capture. This session helps bridge the gap between clinicians and their patients.
📌 Final Thoughts: Why These Topics Matter
This course tackles the most pressing and overlooked challenges in autism care:
✅ Missed or misdiagnosed cases in high-functioning individuals
✅ Comorbid ADHD and executive dysfunction
✅ Medication strategies for irritability and psychiatric comorbidities
✅ Social inequities delaying autism diagnoses
✅ The unique intersection of autism and gender diversity
✅ Insights from real autistic individuals and caregivers
Each session is practical, research-backed, and focused on real-world applications.
Who you will learn from
This course is led by top experts in autism research, psychiatry, and clinical practice, including faculty from Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, Penn State Health, and the University of Toronto. Each speaker brings cutting-edge research, clinical experience, and real-world insights to help you navigate the most complex aspects of autism care.
👩⚕️ Dr. Margaret Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP (C)
🔹 Course Director | Harvard Medical School & Cambridge Health Alliance
🧠 Specialties: Autism, ADHD, Sleep Disorders
Dr. Weiss is a world-leading researcher and clinician in neurodevelopmental disorders. She has published over 160 papers, co-authored the ADHD chapter in the Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, and developed the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale, a tool used worldwide. Her work focuses on ADHD, autism, and the intersection of developmental disorders with social inequities.
📌 Session: “Stuck at the Crossroads: The Intersection of Developmental Delay & Social Inequity”
👨⚕️ Dr. Peter Daniolos, MD, DFAACAP
🔹 Course Director | Harvard Medical School & Cambridge Health Alliance
🧠 Specialties: Autism, Gender & Sexuality, Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Dr. Daniolos is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience. He has developed specialized autism and gender identity programs at top medical centers, including Children’s National Medical Center and Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance. He is a leading expert on autism in gender-diverse populations.
📌 Session: Panel Moderator – Lived Experience Panel: Real Stories from Autistic Individuals & Families
👩⚕️ Dr. Donna Henderson, PsyD
🔹 Neuropsychologist | The Stixrud Group
🧠 Specialties: Autism in Girls & High-Functioning Individuals, Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
Dr. Henderson is a clinical neuropsychologist with 30+ years of experience. She is the co-author of two essential books on autism diagnosis, Is This Autism? A Guide for Clinicians and Is This Autism? A Companion Guide for Diagnosing. She is known for her work in recognizing subtle autism presentations and helping clinicians identify camouflaging behaviors.
📌 Session: “Understanding & Assessing Autism: Recognizing the Less Obvious Cases”
👨⚕️ Dr. Russell Schachar, MD, FRCP (C)
🔹 Professor of Psychiatry | University of Toronto | The Hospital for Sick Children
🧠 Specialties: ADHD, Executive Function, Cognitive Neuroscience
Dr. Schachar is a leading global researcher in ADHD and executive function. He has published groundbreaking studies on the cognitive and genetic mechanisms underlying autism and ADHD. His research is widely cited in Nature Genetics, The Lancet, and The Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry.
📌 Session: “Comorbid ADHD & Autism: Managing Executive Function Challenges”
👨⚕️ Dr. Raman Baweja, MBBS, MD, MS
🔹 Associate Professor | Penn State College of Medicine | Penn State Children’s Hospital
🧠 Specialties: Autism, ADHD, Pediatric Psychopharmacology
Dr. Baweja is a nationally recognized expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, focusing on autism-related irritability, ADHD, and medication management. He serves on the Psychopharmacology & Neurotherapeutics Committee of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and has received multiple awards for his research.
📌 Session: “Irritability in Autism: Causes & Treatment Strategies”
👩⚕️ Dr. Robyn Thom, MD
🔹 Psychiatrist | Massachusetts General Hospital | Harvard Medical School
🧠 Specialties: Autism, Psychopharmacology, Mood & Anxiety Disorders in ASD
Dr. Thom is an autism specialist and psychopharmacologist at the Lurie Center for Autism at Mass General Hospital. She is a principal investigator in multiple studies on medication treatments for autism and single-gene disorders. She has received research grants from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the Williams Syndrome Association.
📌 Session: “Psychopharmacology: Clinical Gaps & Recent Advances in Autism Treatment”
👩⚕️ Dr. Anna van der Miesen, MD, PhD
🔹 Researcher | VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam
🧠 Specialties: Autism & Gender Identity, Mental Health in Neurodivergent Individuals
Dr. van der Miesen is one of the leading European researchers on the intersection of autism and gender diversity. Her work has helped define clinical guidelines for treating transgender and gender-diverse autistic individuals. She has published extensively in The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and The Lancet.
📌 Session: “Gender Diversity, Autism, and Mental Health: Understanding the Intersection”
Who Should Enroll?
This course is designed for professionals working with autistic individuals
Whether you’re a clinician, therapist, or healthcare provider, this course provides cutting-edge knowledge and actionable strategies for improving autism diagnosis and treatment.
👩⚕️ Healthcare Professionals
✅ Primary Care Physicians & Pediatricians
🔹 Learn to recognize subtle autism symptoms and avoid misdiagnosis.
🔹 Improve early detection and provide effective treatment referrals.
✅ Psychiatrists & Neurologists
🔹 Gain insights into comorbid ADHD and autism for better treatment planning.
🔹 Learn the latest pharmacological strategies for managing ASD symptoms.
✅ Nurses & Nurse Practitioners
🔹 Develop skills to provide better patient-centered autism care.
🔹 Stay updated on new treatments for ASD-related irritability and anxiety.
✅ Physician Assistants
🔹 Expand your diagnostic knowledge in autism spectrum disorder.
🔹 Improve care coordination for ASD patients with mental health challenges.
🧠 Mental Health Professionals
✅ Psychologists & Neuropsychologists
🔹 Master advanced autism assessments, especially for girls and high-functioning individuals.
🔹 Learn new approaches to treating executive function issues in ASD+ADHD cases.
✅ Social Workers & Case Managers
🔹 Gain strategies for navigating healthcare disparities in autism care.
🔹 Learn how to support neurodiverse clients in social and family systems.
✅ Marriage & Family Therapists
🔹 Understand the impact of autism on family dynamics.
🔹 Learn interventions that help families support autistic children & teens.
✅ Counselors & Behavioral Therapists
🔹 Get practical tools for addressing autistic individuals’ mental health challenges.
🔹 Learn new approaches to working with gender-diverse autistic individuals.
🎓 Educators & School-Based Professionals
✅ Special Education Teachers & School Psychologists
🔹 Recognize signs of undiagnosed autism in students.
🔹 Learn strategies for supporting autistic children in the classroom.
✅ Speech-Language Pathologists & Occupational Therapists
🔹 Gain insights into autism-related communication and sensory processing issues.
🔹 Learn new intervention techniques for helping autistic individuals thrive.
💡 Why Enroll?
✔️ Stay Ahead of the Latest Research – Learn from Harvard, Penn State, and Toronto-based experts.
✔️ Enhance Your Diagnostic & Treatment Skills – Master cutting-edge assessment & intervention strategies.
✔️ Better Support Neurodiverse Clients – Gain real-world insights from clinicians & autistic individuals.
✔️ Join a Community of Autism Professionals – Network with experts & practitioners worldwide.
📌 If you work with autistic individuals in any capacity, this course is for you!
Why This Course?
Transform Your Understanding of Autism with the Latest Research & Clinical Strategies
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex, evolving, and widely misunderstood. Many clinicians struggle to accurately diagnose and treat autistic individuals—especially those who present with subtle symptoms, co-occurring conditions, or social barriers to care.
This course equips healthcare and mental health professionals with cutting-edge knowledge, practical skills, and actionable strategies to improve autism diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.
🚀 Here’s why this course is essential for you:
1️⃣ Master the Latest Research in Autism Diagnosis & Treatment
✅ Learn how autism presents differently in girls, adults, and high-functioning individuals.
✅ Understand comorbid conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and executive dysfunction.
✅ Discover new medication and behavioral strategies for managing autism-related challenges.
📌 Why it matters:
Traditional autism assessments miss subtle presentations—leading to misdiagnosis and delayed intervention. Stay ahead with updated diagnostic tools.
2️⃣ Gain Practical, Evidence-Based Strategies
✅ Understand how ADHD and autism overlap and how to manage executive dysfunction.
✅ Get real-world strategies for treating irritability, anxiety, and sensory challenges.
✅ Learn how to support gender-diverse autistic individuals with affirming care.
📌 Why it matters:
Many autism treatment plans rely on outdated methods. This course provides modern, research-backed approaches that you can implement immediately.
3️⃣ Learn from World-Class Experts in Autism Care
🌍 Faculty from Harvard Medical School, Penn State Health, the University of Toronto, and Amsterdam UMC.
👨⚕️ Top psychiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, and researchers leading the field.
🎤 Lived Experience Panel – Hear real stories from autistic individuals & families.
📌 Why it matters:
Learn from the best in the field, including clinicians shaping autism research and policy.
4️⃣ Address the Social Inequities Impacting Autism Care
✅ Understand why autism diagnosis is often delayed for minoritized communities.
✅ Learn how to advocate for more equitable autism care in clinical practice.
✅ Explore the impact of healthcare disparities on treatment outcomes.
📌 Why it matters:
Many autistic individuals from underserved backgrounds face delayed diagnosis and limited access to treatment. This course highlights practical ways to bridge the gap.
5️⃣ A Unique Course Format That Goes Beyond Theory
✅ Live Virtual Format – Attend from anywhere in the world.
✅ Engaging Expert Lectures – No fluff, just practical, actionable content.
✅ Real-World Case Studies – See how strategies apply to actual patient scenarios.
✅ Interactive Q&A Sessions – Get your questions answered by top autism specialists.
✅ Lived Experience Panel – Gain insights from autistic individuals and families.
📌 Why it matters:
Unlike standard autism training, this course combines research, real-world applications, and lived experiences to give you a 360-degree view of autism care.
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