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As clinical evaluators, we frequently encounter cases where diagnostic criteria overlap, leaving us to navigate the complex intersection of co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions. In this episode, Sara Woods and I explore the emerging construct of AuDHD, examining whether the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder represents a distinct phenotypic presentation rather than merely two additive diagnoses. We discuss qualitative insights from community self-advocates, neurobiological evidence including gray matter variations, and the complex clinical dynamics of diagnostic overshadowing, double-counting, and autistic masking. Furthermore, we address the practicalities of selecting assessment batteries, evaluating sensory profiles, accounting for socioeconomic privileges in special interests, and navigating neurodiversity-affirming practices without abandoning diagnostic rigor.
Main Topics Covered- 03:02: Defining AuDHD as an emerging construct in clinical and community spheres
- 04:48: Qualitative perspectives on internal tension and the cat-dog analogy
- 11:38: Neurobiological research and gray matter variations in dual presentations
- 19:42: Life-span clinical presentation from childhood masking to adult niche-seeking
- 26:45: Intersections of socioeconomic status, special interests, and sensory needs
- 32:46: Key diagnostic pitfalls: overshadowing, double-counting, and masking
- 44:35: Assessment battery selection and collaborative diagnostic feedback
- 48:34: Navigating client self-identification, social media trends, and ethical boundary setting
Cool Things Mentioned
- Cool Things Mentioned
- Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists
- Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists
- Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists
- CatDog animated series: www.nick.com
- Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire: www.autismresearchcentre.com
- Embrace Autism website: www.embrace-autism.com
- DIVA-5 Diagnostic Interview: www.divacenter.eu
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale: www.wpspublish.com
- Monteiro Interview Guide for Diagnosing Autism Spectrum: www.wpspublish.com
- Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function: www.parinc.com
- Raising the voices of AuDHD women and girls: exploring the co-occurring conditions of autism and ADHD. Craddock, E. (2024).
- The Chicago School of Professional Psychology: www.thechicagoschool.edu
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Robin Peterson is a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and an associate professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She has clinical and research interests in neurodevelopmental disorders and acquired brain injuries. She has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and is co-author of the books Diagnosing Learning Disorders: From Science to Practice and Pediatric Neuropsychology (3rd edition): Research, Theory, and Practice from Guilford Press. She is active in teaching and training graduate students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows. Prior to becoming a neuropsychologist, she taught kindergarten and first grade.
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I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
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