About the Course

  • Access

    You will have access to the course for 90 days after enrollment. This is an asynchronous, self-study course.

  • PAA Members Discount

    The PAA offers discounts to our members. Enroll in the course through your member portal on our main website to access members-only pricing.

  • Continuing Education

    Upon completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion, eligible for one and a half (3.0) CE credits.

Abstract

Building upon the foundational principles explored in the “Beyond Series” (Beyond Diagnosis & Beyond Stereotypes), this workshop provides therapists with a deeper understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. We will delve into the intricacies of executive functions, demand avoidance in relation to therapy goals and behaviour change, and therapeutic case formulations for clients on the spectrum. Through examination of expected behaviours and social-emotional norms at various stages of development, participants will learn to anticipate and address age-related challenges when working with parents, youth, and adult clients, to foster a neurodiversity-affirming practice. 

This half-day, 3-hour workshop aims to equip participants with practical strategies and resources to enhance their work with autistic individuals across the lifespan. By fostering a deeper understanding, we strive to empower therapists to provide culturally sensitive and effective support to the autistic community.

Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the concept of neurodiversity and its implications for counselling autistic individuals.

  • Identify the core challenges and strengths associated with executive functions, demand avoidance, and therapeutic goal setting in autistic individuals.

  • Understand the impact of age-related transitions on autistic individuals, including transitioning to adulthood.

  • Develop effective therapeutic goals and interventions tailored to the unique needs of autistic individuals across the lifespan, considering age-related transitions.

  • Apply neurodiversity-affirming principles in counselling practice to create a supportive and empowering therapeutic environment.

Larissa Predy

Larissa Predy has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disorders in various settings. She has specialized in all-ages assessment and treatment of ADHD, Autism, learning differences, exceptionalities, behaviour problems, personality, and parenting concerns for ~15 years. Larissa received her MA in School & Child Psychology from UBC after completing her BA in Psychology at Vancouver Island University. After several years in research and practice, she returned to complete her doctorate at the University of Alberta (UofA) and is presently a doctoral candidate (ABD!) in Cognitive Developmental Psychology, specializing in measurement and conceptualization of executive functioning through transitions and across the lifespan. She has enjoyed teaching Adolescent Development, Emotional Development, and Abnormal Psychology at the UofA over the past 5 years.

CE Credits

The Psychologists' Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for three (3.0) hours of CE credit. A full view of the course materials is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded. Credits will not be awarded if registration in the course expires prior to completion of the course. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.

Credits: 3.0

Cancellation Policy

Upon purchase, the product will be available for 90 days.

Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA CPD Officer. Cancellations received within 24 hours of registration for the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, given no CE Certificate was issued. Cancellations received within 48 hours of registration for the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee, given no CE certificate was issued. After 48 hours of purchase, no refunds will be issued.