AIM: To encourage psychologists to take a neurodiversity affirming approach to cognitive assessments, and to assist them to feel confident discussing and interpreting their observations of how the client responded to the assessor and the assessment situation, not just the client's test scores.

CONTENT:
* Small group discussion of prompt questions around creating a neurodiversity affirming cognitive assessment experience for clients
* Watch a short video of a cognitive assessment and use Autism Understanding's 'Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist' to capture your observations.
* Small group discussion of your observations and the client's cognitive profile to identify signs of an internalised presentation of autism and reflect on how the client might respond in a classroom environment.
* Use Autism Understanding's 'Neurodivergent Student Profile' to practice a conversation exploring the client's brain style, interests, social communication style, response to changes in routine, sensory sensitivity and sensory seeking, dealing with stress, and supports and accommodations with the client and their parent.
* In a small group, reflect on another case study (including cognitive profile, 'Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist' and Autism Understanding's 'Neurodivergent Student Profile').
* Use Autism Understanding's 'Recommendation Menu' to identify appropriate recommendations including supports and accommodations for home and school.
* Dedicated time for Q and A around neurodiversity affirming cognitive assessments, from initial contact to report writing and feedback sessions.

GOALS:
* to reflect on ways to create a neurodiversity affirming assessment experience for clients and their families
* to recognise signs in a cognitive assessment of internalised presentation of autism and other factors that can impact on engagement and learning
* to practice discussing brain styles and thinking styles with clients and their families in a neurodiversity affirming way
* to identify neurodiversity affirming recommendations for resources, supports and accommodations that can be included in cognitive assessment reports

(Note: The 'Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist' and 'Neurodivergent Student Profile' are available free at autismunderstanding.com.au. The 'Recomendation Menu' will be provided to workshop participants, but is usually only available within Lydia's book, 'Beyond IQ Scores: A handbook for clinicians providing neurodiversity affirming cognitive and developmental assessments' and as part of the 'Neurodiversity Affirming Clinician' online learning hub).