Differential diagnosis: distinguishing autism from other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions

This course explores a range of differential diagnoses relevant in diagnostic assessments for autism across the lifespan.

Students will learn to identify and describe features of autism that may overlap with other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. They will also develop the knowledge and skills to identify and explain some of the ways in which autism may be distinguished from other conditions.

Upon successful completion, you'll receive:

• Two PD Points - stackable for unspecified academic credit in award courses
• A Certificate of Achievement
• A UWA Plus Professional Development Transcript, listing all successfully completed micro-credentials

Delivery mode

Online

Start date

Coming soon (expected April 2023)

Duration

12 weeks

Effort

50 hours

Academic Lead

Dr Lauren Taylor and Associate Professor Iliana Magiati

Cost

$660 inc. GST

Critical information summary

PSYCM516 Differential diagnosis: distinguishing autism from other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions [PDF 246KB]

Why study this course?

This short course will provide future students who are interested in autism assessment and diagnosis with the opportunity to gain a University (micro)credential to recognise their learning. The course provides a unique opportunity for a range of professionals to enhance their knowledge of, and improve their skills in, differential diagnoses in autism diagnostic assessments.

Recommended prior knowledge

It is recommended that students have English competence (ideally Year 12 English level), and some direct experience working with children, adolescents and/or adults in a professional setting (e.g., school, mental health service, youth service).

Who should study this course?

This unit will be of interest and value to a range of professionals and other stakeholders, such as allied health professionals (e.g., practicing psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and social workers), as well as medical professionals (e.g., GPs, paediatricians and psychiatrists), who may work with people who may be autistic and/ or who contribute to autism diagnostic assessments in the course of their practice.

Professionals who work with and support children, adolescents and adults across settings (e.g., child health nurses, school counsellors, mental health practitioners, youth workers) may also be interested in this unit.

What's next after this course?

Students who enrol in all seven of the microcredentials relating to autism assesment and diagnosis (PSYCM510, PSYCM511, PSYCM512, PSYCM514, PSYCM515, and PSYCM516), which comprise PSYC5520 and PSYC5521, may be eligible to apply for, and if selected, enrol in the Graduate Certificate in Autism Diagnosis (GCAD; course code: 70230).

After enrolling in the GCAD and successfully completing all 7 of these micro-credentials, students who receive credit towards the GCAD, which will equip students with the advanced knowledge and applied skills required to contribute to multidisciplinary diagnostic assessments for autism.