550. Neurodiversity-Affirming Autism Assessment Across the Lifespan Ft. Sara Woods.

In this episode, I sit down with Sara Woods to challenge the traditional, deficit-heavy lens of autism diagnostics and explore what it means to practice in a truly neurodiversity-affirming way. We discuss the shift from seeing autism as a collection of clinical "problems" to recognizing it as a natural variation of the human brain that brings unique strengths, such as integrity, systemizing, and deep focus. Sara shares her research-backed insights on why "repetitive behaviors" can be vital for regulation and how the "double empathy problem" reframes communication difficulties as a two-way street rather than an individual failure. We also dive into concrete tools for clinicians, including her Survey of Autistic Strengths, Skills, and Interests (SASSI), and practical tips for writing reports that validate a client's struggles while celebrating their humanity and joy. Episode Topics 00:01-01:38 Why direct experience and neurodiversity matter beyond the textbook 01:39-05:00 Defining the neurodiversity paradigm and patient-led care 05:01-07:43 How differential diagnosis can be empowering rather than pathologizing 07:44-10:43 Reframing repetitive play as a foundation for cognitive development 10:44-12:52 Reconsidering eye contact through the lens of cultural difference 12:53-16:15 Integrity versus reputation management in autistic individuals 16:16-19:00 The functional purpose of stimming and sensory regulation 19:01-21:37 Navigating societal expectations and the choice to disclose 21:38-26:15 The double empathy problem and communication in mixed groups 26:16-31:06 Balancing the "superpower" narrative with authentic support 31:07-34:00 Frameworks for accommodations: Strengths, difficulties, and neutral differences 34:01-38:58 Introduction to the Survey of Autistic Strengths, Skills, and Interests (SASSI) 38:59-42:15 Specific interviewing strategies for eliciting joy and strengths 42:16-46:30 Adapting the assessment battery and the role of the ADOS 46:31-52:00 Writing affirming reports and the use of first-person language 52:01-56:30 Leveraging special interests in recommendations and school settings 56:31-01:01:20 Validating distress while maintaining a strengths-based perspective Cool Things Mentioned The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting Reverb AI-powered report-writing software Sara’s upcoming talk: Autism or Something Else? Avoiding Misdiagnosis in Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment Across the Lifespan - The Chicago School | Office of Continuing Education