Tasha Oswald – Autism Specialist: Beginner-to-Advanced Training On Neuro-Affirming Care

Become a fully confident, certified autism treatment specialist!

Join Dr. Tasha Oswald, PhD, one of today’s most in-demand autism specialists!

More autistic clients than ever are coming to therapy to find support as they navigate a neurotypical world that frequently misunderstands, excludes, and even traumatizes them.

Unfortunately, most therapists haven’t received the up-to-date training needed to effectively support these clients—sometimes resulting in further harm.

That’s why we’re inviting you to this state-of-the-art program, offering the most comprehensive training we’ve ever created for working with autistic adults and teens…

…including live case consultation calls where you’ll dive deep into real-world clinical scenarios — and walk away with proven strategies to better support your clients.

Join neurodivergent author, consultant, and clinician, Dr. Tasha Oswald, who will walk with you every step of the way …

… and equip you with the skills, confidence, and credentials to know exactly what to do and say when working with autistic clients — both before and after a diagnosis.

This transformative experience will certify you as an Expert Autism Clinician* and revolutionize your work with neurodivergent clients.

What you’ll learn in Autism Specialist: Beginner-to-Advanced Training On Neuro-Affirming Care

PART 1: Foundations of Autism

Module 1 – Models of Autism: Medical and Social Models

• Self-Reflection Exercise to Explore Assumptions about Autism
• Overview of Medical Model
• Overview of Social Model
• Neurodiversity Language Introduced

Module 2 – Autistic Traits: What All Therapists Need to Know

• Autism as Defined by the Medical Model (DSM & ICD)
• Autistic Experiences Not in the DSM
• Explore Case Examples
• Autism as Defined by the Autistic Community
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Language Guide

Module 3 – Providing Culturally Competent and Neurodiversity-Affirming Care

• History of the Neurodiversity Movement
• Autistic Identity and Autistic Culture
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach is Culturally Responsive
• Evaluating and Addressing Your Own Ableist Biases
• Alternatives to Ableist Language

Module 4 – Hot Topics in Autism

• Interoception and Alexithymia
• Autistic Burnout
• Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
• Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
• Intersectionality (BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Autigender, Neuroqueer)
• Autistic Masking and Camouflaging

Module 5 – Trauma and Autism

• PTSD and Autism
• Complex PTSD and Autism
• Common Sources of Trauma for Autistic Individuals
• Autism-Specific Risk Factors for Trauma
• Differential Diagnosis of Autism and PTSD

PART 2: Case Conceptualization, Screening, and Assessment

Module 6 – Clinical Considerations for Special Populations

• Late-Life Diagnosed Autistic Adults
• Women and Autism
• Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) and Autism

Module 7 – Case Conceptualization: Unraveling the Complexity

• Dispelling Misconceptions about Autism
• Variations in Autism Presentation
• Common Presenting Problems
• Case Examples

Module 8 – Autism in Context: History, Causes and Neurodevelopment

• History of Autism
• Prevalence Rates and Trends Over Time
• Genetics and Environmental Factors
• Autism Theories, Double Empathy and Monotropism
• Current Research, Risks, and Limitations

Module 9 – Autism Screening, Identification and Diagnosis: What all Therapists Need to Know

• Is My Client Autistic? Signs Therapists May Notice
• Adult Autism Screening Tools
• Autism Assessment Process and Making a Referral
• Common Co-Occurring Diagnoses and Differential Diagnosis
• Why is Autism so Often Misdiagnosed or Undiagnosed

Module 10 – After the Autism Diagnosis: Now what?

• Common Client Reactions to an Autism Diagnosis
• Common Parent and Family Reactions to an Autism Diagnosis
• Post-Assessment Support and Adjunctive Services
• Family, Community and Educational Support
• Executive Functioning Support
• Employment and Housing Support
• Sensory and Fine and Gross Motor Support
• Psychiatric, Pharmacological, and Medical Support

PART 3: Mental Health Treatment and Autism

Module 11 – Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Principles and Strategies

• What Autistic Clients Need From a Therapist
• COMPASS Mnemonic for Neuro-Affirming Therapy
• Neuro-Affirming Principles and Strategies
• Applying a Neuro-Affirming Approach to Case Examples
• Overcoming Treatment Barriers

Module 12 – Treatment Planning

• How to Set Neuro-Affirming Treatment Goals
• Developing Goals for Common Presenting Problems
• When to Treat, When to Refer and How to Get Consultation
• How to Prioritize Treatment Goals
• Coordinating Care with Other Professionals

Module 13 – Interventions to Support Autistic Clients

• Neuro-Affirming Strategies for Intake and Initial Sessions with Client
• Interventions to Support Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance
• Interventions to Explore Sensory Systems, Sensory Diets and Self-Care
• Interventions to Support Emotion Regulation and Reduce Overwhelm
• Interventions to Support Relationships and Socio-Emotional Communication
• Tips and Clinical Insights

Module 14 – Evidence-Based Approaches for Co-Occurring Mental Health Concerns

• Research on Anxiety and Depression in Autism
• Research Risks and Limitations
• Modifying CBT Protocols to Treat Anxiety and Depression in Autistic Clients
• CBT-Based Case Examples
• Emerging and Promising Treatment Approaches: IFS and DBT

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