Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have often been under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed in part because autistic girls are being compared to prototypic trajectories of autistic boys. Additionally the delay in diagnosis is in part due to gaps in psychiatric training and education. Traditionally Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists have received some training in identifying and managing autism given its association with childhood. However as children grow into adults autism can present differently requiring an understanding of its evolving challenges throughout a woman's life.
This presentation aims to bridge this knowledge gap by detailing how autism manifests in women from childhood through young adulthood. Autistic individuals often have early neurodevelopmental areas of strength as well as expected areas of challenge. We will review the stages of developmental mastery and how autistic girls teens and young adults may require personalized interventions and tailored services across their lifespan. We will discuss what is helpful to inquire about in childhood when women present for Psychiatric care that we suspect may be on the Autism Spectrum.
In childhood autistic girls face distinct challenges related to self-esteem peer relationships and school performance. They may struggle with friendship dynamics social cues and behavioral issues. Problems such as difficulty with imaginative tasks resistance to change and selective eating are common. Additionally family dynamics such as parental divorce can exacerbate these challenges impacting the child's overall experience. As autistic girls transition into adolescence and adulthood they encounter further complexities including navigating the transition through puberty social hierarchies dating and eventual romantic relationships. Autistic women may face unique challenges as their bodies change and social expectations change.
Forming and maintaining romantic relationships may be especially difficult with the added concern of if and when to mask their autism and the associated communication difficulties. Understanding these issues is crucial for providing effective support and improving the quality of life for autistic women throughout their lifespan.
Format
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity.
This presentation was recorded at the 2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the evolving presentation of Autism and recognize how Autism Spectrum Disorder manifests differently in women at various stages of their life from childhood through young adulthood.
- Recognize and comprehend the unique challenges and obstacles girls teens and young women face at different neurodevelopmental stages.
- Diagnose and support autistic women by fostering a greater appreciation for nuanced presentations and implications across the lifespan.
Target Audience
Medical Students, Residents/Fellows, Psychiatrists
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
Begin Date: March 1, 2026
End Date: March 1, 2029
How to Earn Credit
Participants who wish to earn 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ or a certificate of participation may do so by completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the event date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, the American Psychiatric Association is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Program Presenters
Program Planners
- Vishal Madaan, MD. Chief of Education and Deputy Medical Director, APA.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. If you have trouble accessing any of APA’s online resources, please contact us at 202-559-3900 for assistance.
Technical Requirements
This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:
- The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
- Internet Explorer 11+
This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.
Optimal System Configuration:
- Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher
Minimum Requirements:
- Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
- Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance
Description
This is the annual conference focused on CME, networking and advocacy efforts for Louisiana psychiatrists.
Format
Live meeting/conference.
Learning Objectives
- Increased Competency in Mood Disorders diagnosis and treatment
- Greater understanding of new addiction disorder treatments and how to utilize them in patient care
- Specific clinical knowledge for varied use from brain bank analysis.
Target Audience
Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, and other mental health professionals
Estimate Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hours
Event Date: February 27 - March 1, 2026
Credit Claim Date: May 30, 2026
How to Earn Credit
Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may do so after completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned.
Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by American Psychiatric Association (APA) and the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association. APA is jointly accredited by the American Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Physicians
The APA designates this live activity for a maximum of 7.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Faculty and Planner Disclosures
The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Instructors
- Ayesha Rashid, MD. Reports financial relationships with Johnson and Johnson, Abbvie, and Axsome.
- Christopher Haas, MD. Reports financial relationships with Abbvie.
- Daniel Perl, MD.
- Julianna Finelli, MD.
- Smita Prasad, MD.
- Stephen Wright, JD.
Planners
- Chris Buckley, MD.
- Patrick O'Neill, MD.
- Stephen Wright, JD.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. Please contact the American Psychiatric Association at 202-559-3900, if you require assistance seven (7) business days prior to the start of a live webinar.
Technical Requirements
This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following:
- The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player.
Optimal System Configuration:
- Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version)
- Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher
Minimum Requirements:
- Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
- Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content
For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance