Neurodiversity

The afternoon talks include:

How Certain Features of Autism Spectrum Disorder May Provide the Context of Vulnerability to Engaging in Terroristic-Related Behaviours and Extremism
Professor Claire Allely, Professor of Forensic Psychology, University of Salford

Talk synopsis:

Rather than being the perpetrators of offending, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to be the victim of crime. However, there is nevertheless a small subset of individuals with ASD who do offend. In this presentation I will provide some understanding of how certain features of ASD may provide the context of vulnerability to engaging in terroristic behaviours and extremism. It has previously been highlighted in the literature the role that autistic special interests, fantasy, obsessionality, the need for routine/predictability, social and communication difficulties, cognitive styles, local coherence, systemising, and sensory processing may play in terrorism pathways and modus operandi. We will cover these in detail in this presentation.

Learning Objectives

• You will learn about some of the key features of ASD may provide the context of vulnerability to engaging in terroristic behaviours and extremism.
• You will learn about some of the key questions to ask in order to explore the potential function of the terroristic-related behaviours or extreme behaviours in an autistic individual. 
• You will also get an overview and understanding of threat assessment and a recommended threat assessment approach. 
   

ADHD in Adults: Are We Facing an Over-Diagnosis Epidemic or Just Catching Up?
Dr Joe Johnson, Consultant Psychiatrist at Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust

Talk synopsis:

In recent years, the number of ADHD diagnoses in adults has risen sharply, attracting media attention and debate both within and outside psychiatry. Some argue that ADHD is now being over-diagnosed, while others suggest that we are finally recognising a condition that was historically under recognised, particularly in women and those with predominantly inattentive symptoms. This talk will explore the complexities behind these contrasting perspectives and the clinical challenge of distinguishing ADHD from overlapping conditions such as anxiety, depression and mental health disorders. Delegates will be encouraged to consider where the balance lies between legitimate concern about over-medicalisation and the ongoing need to ensure fair access to diagnosis and treatment.

Further speaker to be confirmed 
 

CPD Certificates will be given to attendees.

You will be able to submit questions to the speaker during the event using the Q&A function on Zoom.