Invited Keynote: Robert L. Mapou

Neuropsychologists and psychologists are increasingly seeing adults who self-refer to obtain a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).  Yet, these referrals are often based on inaccurate information gleaned from the Internet.  This keynote address will provide an introduction to screening adults fir ASD and determining when to refer for a more comprehensive assessment.  The presenter will discuss how to take a history, preferably including parents and/or a partner/significant other, administration of rating scales, and consideration of co-occurring and rule-out diagnoses.  The lack of research on gender and ethnicity in ASD assessment will be noted, along with the general lack of research on adult diagnosis.  The presenter will conclude with tips and strategies for initial intake screening and responding to patients who insist they are “on the spectrum.”

 

Learning objectives: Delegates will be able to:

1. Recognize key historical factors that can help diagnose or rule out ASD in adults.

2. Apply interviews and rating scales when screening adults for ASD.

3. Discuss how individual and gender differences affect diagnosis of ASD and the lack of research in this area overall

4. Understand common rule-out diagnoses

5. Apply intake screening techniques to deal with patients who insist on an ASD diagnosis based on self-report

 

Level: The content will be suitable for intermediate level neuropsychologists who have experience with other neurodevelopmental disorders and experienced neuropsychologists who want to expand their skill set.

 

Presenter: Robert L. Mapou, PhD

Dr. Robb Mapou is an American Board of Professional Psychology board-certified clinical neuropsychologist practicing in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and Chevy Chase, Maryland on the U.S. East Coast.  He specializes in the evaluation of older adolescents and adults with neurodevelopmental disorder, as well as adults with neurological conditions.  Dr. Mapou has been completing evaluations for the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) since 2009 and was appointed as an FAA Consultant in Neuropsychology by the U.S. Federal Air Surgeon in 2019.  He recently served as a consultant and ADHD expert for the Australian Civil Aviation and Safety Authority.  He is also a consultant to the Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and Princeton University.  He holds faculty appointments in Psychiatry at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the Department of Neurology (Psychology) at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

 

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, adult, assessment

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