Building upon the foundational principles explored in the “Beyond Series” (Beyond Diagnosis & Beyond Stereotypes), this workshop provides therapists with a deeper understanding of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan. We will delve into the intricacies of executive functions, demand avoidance in relation to therapy goals and behaviour change, and therapeutic case formulations for clients on the spectrum. Through examination of expected behaviours and social-emotional norms at various stages of development, participants will learn to anticipate and address age-related challenges when working with parents, youth, and adult clients, to foster a neurodiversity-affirming practice.
This half-day, 3-hour workshop aims to equip participants with practical strategies and resources to enhance their work with autistic individuals across the lifespan. By fostering a deeper understanding, we strive to empower therapists to provide culturally sensitive and effective support to the autistic community.
This workshop will utilize a variety of interactive and engaging methods, including:
Psychologists; Mental Health Therapists; Allied Health Professionals.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Larissa Predy has over 20 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disorders in various settings. She has specialized in all-ages assessment and treatment of ADHD, Autism, learning differences, exceptionalities, behaviour problems, personality, and parenting concerns for ~15 years. Larissa received her MA in School & Child Psychology from UBC after completing her BA in Psychology at Vancouver Island University. After several years in research and practice, she returned to complete her doctorate at the University of Alberta (UofA) and is presently a doctoral candidate (ABD!) in Cognitive Developmental Psychology, specializing in measurement and conceptualization of executive functioning through transitions and across the lifespan. She has enjoyed teaching Adolescent Development, Emotional Development, and Abnormal Psychology at the UofA over the past 5 years.
Larissa frequently provides community workshops and training in neurodiversity, complex behaviours, and developmental topics, to teachers, EA’s, parent groups, and workplaces. She has special interests in supporting and understanding ADHD and Autism in less researched populations (e.g., women; adults; nonbinary). Larissa is passionate about the impact of family- and social-systems in mental wellness, as well as the importance of policy and governmental agendas for social change.
At Little Oaks, Larissa provides clinical consultation and supervision for many early career clinicians, including clinical counsellors and provisional psychologists, as well as registered psychologists under the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) who are developing competencies in school and formal assessment, neurodiversity, differential diagnosis, and clinical/counselling skills. She is an Adjunct Academic Colleague with the UofA’s Department of Educational Psychology supporting doctorate and masters level practicums and internships through their School & Clinical Child Psychology (SCCP) program. She also accepts student interns from the University of Calgary’s School & Applied Child Psychology (SACP) program, as well as masters of counselling programs including the University of Lethbridge, Yorkville, and City University.
Larissa currently supervises new and training professionals and accepts clients with complex emotional-behavioural needs, particularly in contexts of short-term parenting consultations and family therapy. She has a strong reputation for excellence in comprehensive assessment. She holds assessment contracts with three local school districts, and teaches individuals and teams strategies for successful integration and support of neurodiversity in the workplace and academic systems.
Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA Continuing Professional Development Officer. Cancellations received fourteen (14) days prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee. PAA reserves the right to cancel any activity, in which case a full refund of the registration fee will be provided.
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for three (3.0) hours of CE Credit. Full attendance at the workshop is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded, and late arrivals or early departure will preclude awarding of Continuing Education Credits. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.
One person is attending Understanding Autism Across the Lifespan: Executive Functions, Demand Avoidance, and Therapuetic Goal Setting- 3.0 CE
© Copyright 2025 Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.
Website by Fabled Solutions