Understanding Mild and Subclinical Profiles Through a Neuropsychological Lens
🔎 Event Overview
Autism is no longer viewed as a binary condition but as a spectrum that extends beyond classical clinical presentations. Yet, many individuals with subtle or compensated autistic traits remain undiagnosed or misunderstood, often presenting with overlapping symptoms such as anxiety, attention difficulties, or emotional dysregulation.
Ultimately, this session aims to bridge neuroscience and clinical observation, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the invisible spectrum, where subtle does not mean insignificant.
This presentation explores the neuropsychological underpinnings of mild and subclinical autism profiles, those who fall between typical functioning and formal diagnosis. Through a functional lens, it highlights how executive functioning, social cognition, and sensory processing differences shape their daily experiences and contribute to diagnostic ambiguity.
Participants will gain practical insight into recognizing red flags in clinical and environmental settings that standard assessments may overlook, understand the role of comorbidities, and refine their clinical reasoning when faced with “borderline” profiles. The discussion will also address the cultural and linguistic nuances relevant to neuropsychological practice in diverse populations, such as those in the UAE.
⭐ Autism Beyond the Obvious Event Details
📅 Date: November 20th, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM (2 hours)
💻 Venue: Online (via Zoom)
🎤 Speaker: Dr. Rekha Barthélémy
🏅 1.5 CPD credits awarded by the DHA
📝 Register here:https://forms.gle/iNQ7v3GhLVBekB9P9
📚 Agenda
6:15 PM to 6:30 PM | Introduction
- Opening remarks by the Society Chair
- Speaker introduction
- Session context and objectives
6:30 PM to 7:15 PM | Part I: The Invisible Spectrum
- Redefining autism
- Understanding mild and subclinical autism
- Diagnostic blind spots
7:15 PM to 7:45 PM | Part II: The Neuropsychological Angle
- Cognitive and socio-emotional markers:
executive functions, theory of mind, sensory profiles - Overlaps and comorbidities (ADHD, anxiety, alexithymia, and others)
7:45 PM to 8:00 PM | Part III: Clinical Integration and Practical Takeaways
- Recognizing early red flags in individuals not yet referred for neuropsychological evaluation
- Translating findings into practice: early recognition, referrals, and multidisciplinary collaboration
8:00 PM to 8:15 PM | Discussion and Q&A
Participants are welcome to share questions, reflections, and comments.
🎯 Purpose
To deepen understanding of mild and subclinical autism profiles from a neuropsychological perspective, emphasizing how cognitive, emotional, and sensory mechanisms shape subtle presentations. The session aims to refine clinicians’ ability to detect overlooked red flags and integrate neuropsychological insights into multidisciplinary care, particularly in culturally diverse contexts.
🎓 Learning Outcome
By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
1. Identify early red flags of mild or subclinical autism in patients often managed in general psychology or counseling settings but not yet referred for neuropsychological evaluation.
2. Differentiate these subtle profiles from overlapping presentations such as ADHD, anxiety, or personality-related traits.
3. Recognize key neurocognitive and emotional “signature” signs that can guide diagnostic reasoning when standard tools fail to capture the nuances.
4. Apply practical, evidence-based strategies to improve early recognition and interdisciplinary collaboration in assessment and support.