578. What the DSM is Missing About Autism w/ Dr. Wenn Lawson

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Wenn Lawson, an autistic researcher and author, to explore the foundational cognitive structures of autism that often go unrecognized by traditional diagnostic frameworks. We move beyond the surface-level criteria of the DSM-5-TR to discuss monotropism and how it drives core autistic experiences such as sensory processing, object permanence, and interoception. Dr. Lawson shares insights into the heavy toll of camouflaging, the reality of autistic burnout, and the “triple empathy problem” that occurs when autistic individuals navigate mismatched environments. Our conversation also provides practical, neuro-affirming shifts for clinical practice, from adapting standardized testing language to creating sensory-friendly office spaces that value authentic autistic expression. Key Moments 02:29: Limitations of the DSM-5 and the missing subtleties in current diagnostic frameworks 07:00: Gender differences in presentation and the impact of the double X chromosome on social masking 09:17: Defining monotropism as a foundational cognitive disposition in autism and ADHD 16:40: The connection between monotropism, object permanence, and relationship navigation 22:03: Interoception and the impact of internal sensing on behavior and regulation 25:37: Adaptive morphing and the mental health consequences of chronic camouflaging 32:22: Distinguishing autistic burnout from neurotypical burnout and the necessity of “passion-based” recovery 38:37: From the double empathy problem to the triple empathy problem in clinical and educational systems 41:13: Practical adaptations for the diagnostic interview and neuro-affirming assessment processes 46:48: Modifying standardized testing language to accommodate literal processing and monotropic focus Cool Things Mentioned Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists Dr. Wenn Lawson Official Website: www.wennlawson.com Dr. Wenn Lawson YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8L-Ht_jSQxBmWe6MzZvJA  Patrick Dwyer’s research on monotropism: https://www.autisticscholar.com/monotropism/  Damian Milton and the Double Empathy Problem: www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09687599.2012.710008 Curtin University Autism Research: www.curtin.edu.au/research/  Featured Resources TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist  The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health! About Dr. Wenn Lawson Dr. Wenn, auDHD, dyslexic, and dyspraxic, is passionate about all things autism. He is a British Psychologist, a qualified Social Worker, a well-known Autistic Researcher, Author, Speaker and Poet. Wenn is a key theorist of the Monotropism theory of Autism and Adjunct Associate Professor with Curtin University, Western Australia. Get in Touch: Website: www.wennlawson.com Wenn Lawson Youtube Email: [email protected] About Dr. Jeremy Sharp I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents. As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids. Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to join our Waitlist! Join the Waitlist