Thank you for your interest in Autistic-Informed, Neuro-Affirming Autism Assessment with Rachel Boggan, MSW, LCSW-S, ADHD-CCSP, CCTP, owner of The Properties of Light, LLC.
This series *centers* the experiences of autistic people, NOT the view of autistic people through a neuro-normative lens. The workshop will share insight into assessment with people of all ages, and in all stages of self-knowledge or self-identification, including children, adolescents, and adults.
The basic premise of autistic-informed autism assessment is we *actively seek out the perspectives of autistic people and we listen*. This means we accept that our "gold standards" need to change.
Clinical integrity and autistic affirming practices can co-exist!!
Rachel offers two pathways in this workshop series. Both workshop pathways will cover considerations for neuro-affirming practice in all parts of assessment including assessment structure, selection of instruments, intake processes, evaluation interviews, reports and recommendations, as well as delivery of evaluation outcomes and feedback sessions. Both pathways will also offer considerations for provider access needs and sustainable practices for autistic/multiply neurodivergent providers.
PATHWAY 1: BUILDING AN AUTISTIC-INFORMED ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN YOUR PRACTICE: This advanced workshop series is designed for licensed masters level clinicians and licensed clinical psychologists who are interested in building an autistic-informed, neuro-affirming autism assessment process into their practice or organization.
This workshop series is a total of 8 hours, structured as four 2-hour sessions. This pathway is a good fit for LCSWs, LPCs, and LCPs who are new to formal diagnostic assessment processes, and/or are looking for support in building an assessment process in their practice or organization.
This pathway is offered in both live cohort or recording only formats.
PATHWAY 2: INTEGRATING AUTISTIC-INFORMED PRACTICE INTO YOUR EXISTING ASSESSMENT PROCESS: This advanced workshop series is designed for licensed psychologists and clinicians who are already providing assessment services, and are interested in building neuro-affirming practices into their existing assessment process. This workshop series is a total of 4 hours, structured as two 2-hour sessions. This pathway is a good fit for clinicians who are familiar with, and/or are actively practicing autism assessment.
This pathway is offered in a live cohort format only.
Opportunities for individual and/or organizational consultation will also be available to participants following the completion of either workshop series.
Rachel will be sharing the wisdom they have gained from 9+ years of diagnostic assessment in a variety of settings, and in particular the last 3 years in their private practice where Rachel has spent an immeasurable amount of time, energy, and resources on developing an assessment process that aligns with their values and experiences of autistic-informed, trans-inclusive, anti-oppressive practice. Rachel's practice and values are shaped by their knowledge and experience as a non-binary, autistic, neuroqueer clinical provider, person and parent. They have received an overwhelming response from the community since opening their private practice - with over 400 requests for assessment in 2022 alone - and they are hopeful that providing this training opportunity will increase accessibility of trauma-informed, autistic-informed, LGBTQIA+ inclusive assessment across communities by increasing the number of providers offering these services.
This workshop series is a good fit for providers who are familiar with the diversity of autistic experiences, have ate least an intermediate level knowledge of the neurodiversity paradigm, social model of disability and acceptance based language, and a minimum of introductory/101 level knowledge of trauma-informed, and trans-inclusive practices. This knowledge may be acquired through previous trainings, and it also should include independent learning from the lived experiences of autistic and multiply neurodivergent folks of all ages.
Important note: This workshop is not intended to assist participants with determining whether autism assessment is within their scope of practice according to their local governance and practice regulations. Clinicians are responsible for determining whether their professional credentials and licensure meet requirements for diagnostic of assessment within their locality.
Please complete this interest form if you are interested in receiving additional information for the next cohort when available, including workshop session dates/times and registration.
