ODL 414: MISSdiagnosed and MISSunderstood: A Deeper Dive into Clinical Strategies to Support Autism and Other Co-Occurring Realities in Females

Created On:  5/18/26                  

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services

Overview:

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed more frequently in males, while females are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This current diagnostic reality lends itself to many females not receiving the recognition, services, or support they need. Emerging research shows that autism may present differently in females, with distinct behavioral, social, and developmental patterns that can mask or complicate clinical identification.

This webinar will provide foundational information pertaining to the unique ways ASD may appear in females and the clinical challenges these differences create for professionals. The session will highlight how autism can manifest for females, explore common co-occurring conditions, and discuss systemic and diagnostic factors that contribute to missed or delayed diagnoses. Participants will also gain evidence-based strategies and interventions to more effectively support autistic females and their families as they navigate social, developmental, and clinical needs.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Analyze key differences in how autism characteristics and symptoms commonly present in females compared to males.
• Identify common co-occurring conditions that females with autism often experience.
• Describe the reasons for misdiagnosis and under-diagnosis for females with autism.
• Explain strategies and interventions to support females with autism and their family caregivers.
• Evaluate how social, cultural, and systemic factors influence the identification and support of females with autism.
• Formulate individualized support strategies that address the unique social, emotional, and developmental needs of autistic females across various settings.

Presenter:

Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD, LMSW

Christina Marsack-Topolewski, PhD, LMSW, is a licensed social worker and an Associate Professor of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. She received her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from Wayne State University, Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and her PhD in Social Work with a dual title in Gerontology from Wayne State University. 

She has 20 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities and their family caregivers. She has consulted on cases of individuals with disabilities with various co-occurring conditions. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has worked as a professor, clinical therapist, teacher, consultant, and speaker. She has published over 80 research articles in scholarly journals and encyclopedias regarding individuals with disabilities, family caregiving, and aging.

Dr. Marsack-Topolewski has served as the lead principal investigator on multiple grant-funded programs tailoring services for individuals with disabilities, older adults, and chronic illnesses. She is an appointed board member of the U.S. National Task Group on Intellectual Disability and Dementia Practices. Dr. Marsack-Topolewski’s research has been featured on National Public Radio and ABC News Detroit. 

Over the past 5 years, she testified before members of the Michigan Legislature to advocate for new laws that protect against the exploitation and abuse of adults with disabilities. The first of these house bills was signed into law in the state of Michigan in December 2023. In 2024, she received the Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Research Award for Research Excellence. In addition, she received the Arc of Oakland County’s Advocacy Hall of Fame Award in 2024.