Module 10- Autism and BPD

Welcome to the NCAMH Course on Autism and BPD

• This one-day online training course introduces you to a “Model of understanding the overlaps and differences between Autism and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).” This is also Module 10 in the BPS Approved Certficate and Diploma in Autism and Mental Health
• This course will introduce you to the knowledge, skills and tools to help you differentiate between BPD traits and those differences in communication, perception, thinking style and cognitions which form part of an autistic persons lived experience

There are five lessons in this module including:

• Understanding BPD
• Autism and BPD, “Spotting the signs,” overlaps and differences
• Autistic Voices: Impact of misdiagnosis (BPD) and missed diagnosis (autism amongst girls and women)
• Evidence Based Approaches to treatment for BPD and supporting autistic people (Core components of DBT, autism responsive approaches).
• Resources and Skills:  Two parts focused on introducing you to two spotting the signs tools and DBT adjusted resources for supporting distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness

At a time of increasing awareness around the numbers of autistic girls and women misdiagnosed with BPD the spotting the signs of autism amongst girls and women tool will be a useful resource for ensuring early screening and assessment to prevent a possible misdiagnosis of BPD.  Likewise the BPD and Autism Spotting the Signs tool will provide you with the knowledge to be able to support an autistic person by differentiating between what experiences may be linked to being autistic and which may indicate BPD – again an essential resource for ensuring access to the right supports.

All the resources are focused on increasing self-awareness alongside introducing strategies for promoting safety, self-advocacy,  co-regulation, self-soothing, autonomy and self-agency.

We are joined in this module by Emily Katy, autistic female and author of the sunday times bestseller, “Girl unmasked”, Julia Daunt (author of being Julia) and autistic female with a PDA profile, Liza Taylor, autistic female and Dolly Iljitamino (late diagnosed autistic female) who all talk to us about the impact of either being misdiagnosed with BPD or receiving a late autism diagnosis.  In these podcast interviews each person shares their own experiences and useful tips for practitioners when supporting autistic girls and women seeking mental health support. 

We also interview Dr Judy Eaton, author of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis and Dr Amy Person, author of autistic masking (who talks about how masking and camouflaging may lead to a misdiagnosis of BPD due to impacts on autistic self-identity).

The five lessons in this course are made up of a mixture of tutor-led sessions, podcasts, additional video clips, articles, worksheets/exercises, review of resources and completion of reflective practice worksheets.

You will be able to access the course handouts, workbooks and reflective practice worksheets from the welcome and introduction page.  You can access any worksheets, tools and resources from within the Lesson on the learning management platform.

I wish you well with the course,

Warmest wishes,

Jenny Phaure

Clinical Director

MA (Child and Ad Psych, UKCP), MSc

National Centre for Autism and Mental Health

www.ncamh.co.uk

Phone: 07545 190915