Live Webinar: Navigating the Space Between the Medical & Social Models of Autism While Managing Demand for Diagnostic Evaluations

Description of Webinar
Access to diagnostic evaluations for autism is limited, with long waitlists, a shortage of trained providers, and high costs all contributing to delays in obtaining timely assessments. Practitioners frequently face high referral volumes, requiring difficult decisions about prioritizing who receives evaluation services. As understanding of both the medical and social models of autism continues to evolve, clinicians must consider critical questions: Who needs a formal diagnosis and for what purpose? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of receiving an autism diagnosis?

This webinar will provide clinicians with a deeper understanding of the medical and social models of autism, along with insight into the perspectives of individuals and families seeking evaluations. It will enable clinicians to tailor the scope, content, and focus of assessments to better align with the diverse needs of referral populations.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this webinar, the learner will be able to:

Explain how the medical model and the social model offer different views of autism;
Compare and contrast the functions of diagnostic labels across scientific, therapeutic, social, and administrative contexts;
Discuss how reasons for seeking diagnostic evaluations vary by developmental level, age, and role (e.g., caregiver vs. individual) and how these differences may shape clinical recommendations; and
Describe ways screening protocols can be used to prioritize access to evaluation services in autism specialty clinics.
Registration Cost

Number of Contact Hours Offered
2

Presenter Bio

Themba Carr, PhD is a clinical psychologist and manager of the Autism Discovery Institute at Rady Children’s Health San Diego. Her clinical expertise focuses on the assessment and diagnosis of children with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Dr. Carr earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan. She completed postdoctoral fellowships at the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Autism Research and Treatment, as well as the UCLA Center for Health Services and Society. She is currently an assistant clinical professor (nonsalaried) at the University of California San Diego and serves as faculty for the UC San Diego Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Other Related Disabilities (San Diego LEND) program, where she provides teaching and interdisciplinary training in neurodevelopmental assessment and diagnosis. Since 2021, Dr. Carr has served on the Rady Children’s Health Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council and the GROW Leadership Council. She is deeply committed to advancing inclusion, equity, and a culture of belonging in health care and academic workspaces.

Disclosure
Dr. Carr is paid an honorarium for presenting this webinar.

AI Disclosure
This presentation was developed with support from generative AI tools, including Copilot and Canva. These tools were used to assist with brainstorming, creating visuals, and generating draft content and postcourse test questions. All AI-generated contributions were critically reviewed and edited for accuracy, relevance, and alignment with professional and ethical standards. As per APA guidelines, the role of AI in creating this presentation is disclosed here, and all content remains the responsibility of the presenter.

Webinar Date
August 19, 2026

Webinar Time
120 minutes

Instructional Level
Intermediate

Target Audience
Assessment professionals, including school psychologists, clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), board certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), licensed behavior analysts (LBAs), occupational therapists (OTs), licensed therapists, and social workers

Agenda
The on-demand courses are designed to be self-paced. You can start and stop as needed. You must watch the videos in their entirety before taking the CE test.

Registration and Confirmation
Customers will purchase their course on the WPS website by adding selected item(s) to their cart and completing their transaction with a credit card. Customers who wish to pay with a purchase order will need to contact a representative at 844-378-4918. Once payment is rendered, customers will receive a sales order confirmation email, followed by an email that contains the License Key link. Customers will click on the link to register on the WPS website or sign in if they have already registered. There, customers will be able to access course(s). Once registered, customers will receive a registration confirmation email.

Refund/Cancellation Policy and Late Registration/Transfer Fees
The on-demand courses available through WPS Learn™ cannot be returned after they have been accessed and cannot be transferred.

Webinar Completion Requirements
This webinar provides the opportunity to earn a Certificate of Completion equivalent to 2 contact hours. Attendees must satisfy completion requirements. To receive the Certificate of Completion for the webinar, participants must:

Be present for the entire course (attendance will be tracked through Zoom).
Complete the Postcourse Evaluation Survey within three business days of the event.
All Certificates of Completion will be provided electronically in the WPS Learn system. No partial credit will be awarded.

Special Needs Request
WPS will make accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you require specific accommodations, please email learn@wpspublish.com prior to or at the time of course registration so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Policies
Click here for Cancellation and Refund Policies
For grievances or to reach a representative, please contact learn@wpspublish.com

Continuing Education Credit
APA Approved Sponsor
2 CEs

WPS is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.
WPS is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. WPS maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

NASP
2 CPDs

WPS is a NASP-Approved Provider of Professional Development
WPS is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer professional development for school psychologists. WPS maintains responsibility for the program.

NBCC
2 CEs
WPS has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7646.

Western Psychological Services (WPS) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7646. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Western Psychological Services (WPS) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

ASHA

ASHA CE Provider
Western Psychological Services
(WPS)
Intermediate
.2 ASHA CEUs

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.