Hosted by Jenifer Goldman, PsyDThis presentation redefines autism through a neurodiversity-affirmative lens, moving beyond the traditional deficit-based model to highlight autism as a natural and valuable variation of human cognition. A key focus will be on recognizing autism in high-masking individuals, who often camouflage their traits to meet neurotypical expectations, making identification more complex. We will also explore how to select and adapt autism assessment tools to align with affirming practices, ensuring accurate and supportive identification. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of autism, develop strategies for recognizing diverse autistic presentations, and learn how to implement assessment approaches that validate and empower neurodivergent individuals.