Livestream

The Hidden Spectrum: How to Identify Autism in Individuals Who Are Assigned Female at Birth

Allison Jenkins, LCSW
Tracine Smoot, PhD
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Summarize the behavioral presentations of autism in individuals assigned female at birth.

  • Identify at least two gender differences in Autism presentation.

  • Differentiate between autism and other conditions like borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety.

  • Explain how to recognize "masking" behaviors such as care-taking and "going along to get along."

  • Identify and describe at least two comprehensive assessment/ evaluation tools tailored for individuals assigned female at birth.

  • Explain how an autism diagnosis can be shared from a neurodivergent, strengths-based perspective.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is for participants to improve their understanding and support of females with autism, leading to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Description

Individuals who are assigned female at birth are often better at “masking” symptoms of autism, which leads to those in treatment programs being misdiagnosed as having borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, and so on. Individuals with autism who are assigned female at birth sometimes use “care-taking” and “going along to get along” as ways to connect with others, which can “mask” the underlying autism. On the other hand, individuals who are assigned female at birth who struggle with rigidity and behavioral dysregulation (as is common with autism) can be viewed as attention-seeking, manipulative, or dramatic rather than as lacking the skills to be flexible and to connect with others in healthier ways. This presentation will cover how we can accurately identify individuals assigned female at birth with autism, which is critical for effective treatment.

Target Audience

  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Substance Use Disorder Professionals

Presenters

Allison Jenkins, LCSW
Allison Jenkins, LCSW brings a wealth of experience across the entire spectrum of care. From inpatient psychiatric settings to residential treatment centers and day treatment programs, Allison has dedicated her career to catalyzing positive change in the lives of young individuals. Allison’s notable achievement is her instrumental role in designing and establishing a Short Term RTC, OASIS Ascent. The program's framework, rooted in the team’s visionary ideas, reflects Allison commitment to innovation and effectiveness. By infusing evidence-based practices with a compassionate touch, at OASIS Allison has created an environment where adolescents can find healing, growth, and a renewed sense of hope. Allison has also steered the development of OASIS Day Treatment program within the residential context. This endeavor is a testament to her unwavering dedication to providing a continuum of care that meets adolescents' evolving needs. By tailoring interventions to the unique challenges of daily life, Allison empowers adolescents to develo
Tracine Smoot, PhD
Dr. Tracine Smoot is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience in completing specialty psychological evaluations for students in treatment programs, private practice, schools, medical, and clinical settings. She has extensive experience with autism spectrum disorder and other forms of neurodivergence. She also provides neuropsychological assessment, consultation, therapy, training, and supervision in her private practice in Salt Lake City. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing in the beautiful Utah mountains.

Financially Sponsored By

  • NATSAP