Neurodiversity for Physical Healthcare Providers

Course Summary

One in 36 individuals in the U.S. is autistic. This course is designed to provide knowledge and skill development for healthcare providers working with neurodivergent patients. It covers common characteristics of autistic individuals with average to above-average cognitive abilities, as well as risk factors such as associated medical concerns and suicide. Additionally, treatment, research, and cultural considerations are discussed. This course will help providers develop the cultural competency skills needed to care for this population.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

1. Feel confident in your understanding of neurodiversity.
2. Identify the essential diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
3. Select appropriate tools to effectively screen for ASD in children and adults in physical healthcare settings.

Learning Audience

The learners for this training are physical healthcare providers (e.g., primary care physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners) and other professionals who provide support or services to neurodivergent individuals related to their physical and medical health.

Course Duration

• 60 minutes

Content Contributors

• Sandra L. Friedman, MD, MPH, Professor of Pediatrics, UCSOM; Director, JFK Partner