A5
Tracks
Track 1 | Shaping the future of learning
| Saturday, February 14, 2026 |
| 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Ballroom A |
Overview
Beyond IQ Scores Workshop: Value of observations in neurodiversity affirming cognitive assessments (60 mins WORKSHOP) Lydia Meem
Speaker
Ms Lydia Meem
Autism Understanding
Beyond IQ Scores Workshop: Value of observations in neurodiversity affirming cognitive assessments
10:30 AM - 11:30 AMSubmission/ Abstract
AIMS: To explore the clinical value of behavioural observations in neurodiversity affirming cognitive assessments, including response patterns and the way the child or young person interacts with the examiner.
To develop participants' confidence in modifying assessments and responding to parents' questions in feedback sessions.
CONTENT: The workshop will discuss:
* preparing for an assessment
* engaging with children and families
* modifying assessments
* how to recover when something goes wrong
* Autism Understanding's research
* Noticing thinking and interaction styles and next steps
* Analysing response patterns
* Sharing results and answering questions
* Recommendations
Participants will watch short videos and practice identifying behaviours and responses worth including in case formulation and reports. There will be opportunities for small group discussion and feedback to the wider group.
GOALS:
* to recognise when and how to modify assessments, and include these modifications in reports
* to recognise relevant observations, including possible signs of autism, ADHD and learning differences
* to develop confidence recommending supports and accommodations for the child or young person at school
* to become familiar with resources including Autism Understanding's Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist, Neurodivergent Student Profile, and Recommendation Menu
* to gain confidence in answering parents' questions in cognitive assessment feedback sessions
To develop participants' confidence in modifying assessments and responding to parents' questions in feedback sessions.
CONTENT: The workshop will discuss:
* preparing for an assessment
* engaging with children and families
* modifying assessments
* how to recover when something goes wrong
* Autism Understanding's research
* Noticing thinking and interaction styles and next steps
* Analysing response patterns
* Sharing results and answering questions
* Recommendations
Participants will watch short videos and practice identifying behaviours and responses worth including in case formulation and reports. There will be opportunities for small group discussion and feedback to the wider group.
GOALS:
* to recognise when and how to modify assessments, and include these modifications in reports
* to recognise relevant observations, including possible signs of autism, ADHD and learning differences
* to develop confidence recommending supports and accommodations for the child or young person at school
* to become familiar with resources including Autism Understanding's Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist, Neurodivergent Student Profile, and Recommendation Menu
* to gain confidence in answering parents' questions in cognitive assessment feedback sessions
Learning outcomes
1. Recognise when and how to modify assessments, and how to include these modifications in their assessment reports
2. Use the free Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist to capture observations from cognitive assessments and include these in feedback session and reports
3. Use the free Neurodivergent Student Profile and Recommendation Menu to identify relevant supports and accommodations for the student in the classroom and playground
2. Use the free Cognitive Assessment Observation Checklist to capture observations from cognitive assessments and include these in feedback session and reports
3. Use the free Neurodivergent Student Profile and Recommendation Menu to identify relevant supports and accommodations for the student in the classroom and playground
.....
Lydia is a neurodivergent clinical psychologist and founder of Autism Understanding psychology practice in Newcastle, NSW. Lydia has worked with neurodivergent individuals since 1998, provided autism assessments from 2003. She developed a 10-module Supporting Autistic Students online course for teachers. Lydia also created the Neurodiversity Affirming Clinician online learning hub, which includes 15 courses, with a mix of on-demand and live webinars, resources, tools, case studies, sample reports and sample letters to assist practitioners to feel confident in neurodiversity affirming practices. She is the author of Beyond IQ Scores: A handbook for clinicians providing neurodiversity affirming cognitive and developmental assessments. Lydia also hosted the Neurodivergent Clinician Symposium in Melbourne in September 2025.
