Continuing Education Course: Differential Diagnoses: ADHD and Autism (2 CEs)

This course examines differential diagnostic considerations when assessing ADHD and autism across the lifespan, with particular attention to overlapping presentations, masking, co-occurring conditions, and the impact of social media–driven self-identification. Participants will review current DSM-5-TR requirements for diagnosis alongside research related to increasing diagnostic rates, self-diagnosis, and misinformation surrounding neurodivergence online. The training explores how trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, learning disorders, and other neurodevelopmental presentations may mimic or overlap with ADHD and autistic traits, complicating diagnostic clarity.

The course also emphasizes neurodiversity-affirming assessment practices that balance validation of lived experience with careful differential diagnosis and appropriate rule-outs. Participants will explore practical considerations for screening, diagnostic interviewing, and communicating diagnostic impressions to clients and caregivers, including situations in which diagnostic conclusions may differ from client expectations. Attention is also given to the role of social media platforms such as TikTok in shaping perceptions of ADHD and autism, including both the benefits and limitations of online psychoeducation.

This course consists of a 90-minute lecture video and 30-minute reading assignment, for a total of 2 CE credits.

Cost

$40 for the 2-CE course and continuing education certificate. There are no additional fees for this course. The fee offers you lifetime access to the self-guided home study course. Because you maintain lifetime access tot he learning materials, no refunds are offered for this course.

Presenter

Dr. Amy Marschall is a licensed clinical psychologist in South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Florida, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Louisiana, and New York, PsyPact provider, and registered psychologist in New Zealand. She is late-identified neurodivergent, having both lived experience and professional expertise. Her clinical practice includes assessment across the lifespan in clients who suspect they may be autistic and/or ADHD. She is an author, speaker, and advocate.

Learning Objectives

Analyze differential diagnostic considerations that distinguish ADHD and autism from trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, learning disorders, and other neurodevelopmental presentations.
Evaluate the extent to which presenting traits and reported symptoms align with DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for ADHD and autism versus alternative clinical explanations.
Apply neurodiversity-affirming approaches when discussing diagnostic impressions, self-identification, and support needs with clients and caregivers.

Target Audience

This intermediate course is intended for licensed psychologists, psychology trainees, mental health clinicians, school psychologists, educational psychologists, counselors, social workers, and other behavioral health professionals involved in the assessment, diagnosis, or treatment of ADHD, autism, and related neurodevelopmental or mental health presentations.

Statement Regarding Conflict of Interest

Dr. Marschall conducts autism and ADHD evaluations in her private practice, and she consults with companies that provide these evaluations. Dr. Marschall and Resiliency Mental Health have no financial or non-financial conflicts of interest to disclose.

Choose a pricing plan

Continuing Education Course: Understanding and Recognizing Neurodivergent Masking (2 CEs)

$40

Course curriculum

1

First Section
- Power Point Slides
- Main Lecture
- Scripts
- Attendance
- Post Test
- Course Evaluation

Resiliency Mental Health is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Resiliency Mental Health maintains responsibility for all programs and content.