Cognition in Clinical Practice: Mastering the Diagnosis of Learning Disability and Autism

May 19, 2025 2 min read

Facilitated by Dr. Nistor Becia, MBE, Chartered Psychologist (BPS)

Accurate diagnosis changes lives. In today’s clinical landscape, understanding the cognitive foundations of learning disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is essential for effective assessment and intervention. This highly practical course offers professionals the advanced skills and knowledge required to confidently navigate complex diagnostic processes, using the latest research and best-practice frameworks.


This course is informed by leading international guidelines, including the British Psychological Society (BPS), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the World Health Organization (WHO).


The BPS emphasizes that cognitive assessments for learning disabilities and autism must be evidence-based, ethically sound, culturally sensitive, and promote client empowerment. Similarly, the APA highlights the importance of developmental history, interdisciplinary input, and strengths-based assessments. The WHO further recommends that early, accurate identification be paired with holistic, family-centered support, especially considering global diversity and accessibility challenges.


These core principles are woven throughout the course, ensuring participants align with the highest global standards in their clinical practice.

What You Will Learn:

Cognitive Foundations of Neurodiversity: Examine how intellectual and cognitive profiles differ in learning disability and autism, and how these differences impact everyday functioning.

Best-Practice Diagnostic Methods: Master the use of key assessment tools (e.g., WAIS-IV, WISC-V, ADOS-2) and learn to integrate cognitive findings with DSM-5 and ICD-11 diagnostic criteria.

Making the Complex Clear: Develop critical skills for differential diagnosis, helping to distinguish between ASD, learning disability, ADHD, and mental health conditions.

Case Formulation and Communication: Learn how to communicate cognitive assessment outcomes sensitively and clearly to clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Interdisciplinary Approaches: Learn to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, integrating insights from psychology, education, and healthcare to formulate holistic intervention strategies.

Ethical and Cultural Considerations: Explore the ethical implications and cultural sensitivities involved in the assessment process, ensuring respectful, inclusive, and person-centered practices.

Real-World Application: Apply your knowledge through interactive clinical vignettes and structured supervision exercises led by an experienced practitioner.

Featured Insights:

This course is enriched by Dr. Becia’s contributions to the field, including his involvement in the British Psychological Society (BPS) publication Working Relationally with Adults with an Intellectual Disability: A Discussion (2018).
This influential document emphasizes the importance of relational approaches, person-centered practices, and ethical responsibility when working with adults with intellectual disabilities — key principles that underpin the diagnostic and assessment methods explored throughout this course.

Meet Your Facilitator:

Dr. Nistor Becia, MBE, brings over 16 years of hands-on experience working across specialist neurodevelopmental services in Wales. Recognized with an MBE for his outstanding contributions to mental health and refugee support, Dr. Becia combines deep clinical expertise with a passion for teaching. His approach blends academic rigor with practical, real-world strategies, making this course essential for anyone committed to excellence in cognitive assessment.

Course Information:

  • Duration:  Half-day intensive masterclass
  • Format: In-person or live interactive online delivery

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is ideal for:

  • Psychologists
  • Psychiatrists and Neurodevelopmental Specialists
  • Speech and Language Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCOs)
  • Allied health professionals with an interest in neurodiversity
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