Unmasking Adult Autism: Navigating the Hidden World of Neurodiversity

Workshop Overview

Adult autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adults, refers to individuals above 18 who experience challenges in social communication, behaviour, and repetitive interests. While symptoms may be subtle in adults, they can include difficulties with conversations, understanding social cues, rigid routines, and intense focus on specific interests. 

The Unmasking Adult Autism workshop gives insight into the complexities and challenges of diagnosing adult autism. 

The workshop explores the unique challenges faced by adults on the spectrum, from late diagnosis and mental health comorbidities to workplace accommodations and neurodiversity-affirming therapy.   

Build practical knowledge to simplify key diagnostic criteria, discuss autism burnout and examine how clinicians can adapt therapeutic modalities to incorporate neurodiversity. 

Is this workshop for you?

This workshop is for you if you want to better understand the complexities and challenges of diagnosing adult autism.  

Dates and Registration

Class of 2025 April: 29 April @ 18:00 – 20:00 (SAST)

Participants are required to attend a live online workshop (2 hours). Thereafter, participants will be required to complete an assessment comprising of reading a journal article and answering a 15-question multiple choice questionnaire. The multiple-choice questionnaire needs to be completed within 5 days.  

Certification

This CPD workshop has been designed for healthcare professionals and anyone interested in gaining knowledge in adult autism diagnosis. Once you have completed the course, you will receive a digital certificate of completion. 

The certificate serves as evidence of your new skills and knowledge and can be used to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 

Attend a live online session, or watch the recording, and complete an online reading and assessment. 

HPCSA registered professionals will receive 3 CPD points [3 CEU Continuing Education Units points] upon successful completion of the workshop.

Workshop Overview

• Introduction 
• Reasons for misdiagnosis 
  • Lack of awareness among healthcare professionals 
  • Comorbidities complicating the diagnosis  
  • Focus on external functioning  
  • Masking and social camouflaging 
  • Over-reliance on childhood-based evaluation   
  • The Autism spectrum being misunderstood   
• ASD Diagnosis Simplified (DSM-5) 
  • Social Communication and Social Interaction 
  • Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour 
  • Sensory Processing 
  • Executive Functioning 
  • Emotional Regulation 
• Differential Diagnosis and overlapping Co-morbid conditions 
  • Social Anxiety Disorders & Generalised Anxiety Disorder 
  • Depression and Autism Burnout 
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 
  • Bipolar Disorder 
  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) 
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) 
  • Eating Disorders  
  • Avoidant PD and Schizoid PD 
• Autism Burnout, identifying and treatment 
  • Identifying Autistic Burnout Syndrome  
  • Environmental Adaptability and Energy Accounting  
  • Preventative Strategies 
• Workplace Reasonable Accommodation 
  • Principles of reasonable accommodation explained 
  • Understanding legislation and employee responsibility to accommodate employees with Autism/Neurodiversity 
• Treatment of Adults Autism 
  • Neurodivergent Psychotherapeutic Treatment Models of Adults with Autism

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the workshop participants will be able to:

• Recognize the challenges of diagnosing autism in adults 
  • Understand why autism in adults is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. 
  • Learn how factors like masking and camouflaging can impact clinical presentations. 
• Simplify and apply autism diagnostic criteria (DSM-5) 
  • Break down the core diagnostic criteria into practical, easy-to-understand concepts. 
  • Explore real-world examples of social communication differences and repetitive behaviours. 
• Identify overlapping conditions and their impact 
  • Recognize common co-occurring conditions in autistic adults. 
  • Differentiate autism burnout from general burnout or depression and explore effective treatment approaches. 
• Navigate workplace accommodations and legal responsibilities 
  • Gain an overview of relevant legislation, including the Employment Equality Act. 
  • Understand employer responsibilities and how to create supportive workplaces for autistic employees. 
• Adapt psychotherapy for neurodivergent adults 
  • Learn why traditional therapy approaches may not be effective for autistic clients. 
  • Discover neurodivergent-friendly adaptations for psychotherapy and mental health support. 

Workshop Presenter

Chael Nel is a Clinical Psychologist with a focus on supporting adults with autism. As a co-founder of The Spectrum Centre in Randburg, he has helped build an internationally recognized organization offering assessments, tailored interventions, and ongoing support for neurodiverse adults. The centre empowers individuals to better navigate life while fostering self-compassion and understanding of their unique experiences. 

Beyond clinical work, Chael is dedicated to neurodiversity advocacy and psychoeducation. He leads workshops, provides professional training, delivers corporate talks, and contributes to research on adult autism diagnosis and treatment. His mission is to create a more inclusive society that values and celebrates neurodiversity.