Full Course Description
Session One: Introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy
Program Information
Objectives
- Examine the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement (NAM) to support practitioner’s understanding of strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Identify new trends in Autism/ADHD literature
- Define myths, ableism, and implicit biases which impact work with Neurodivergent clients
- Outline Autistic and ADHD neurocognitive differences, with emphasis on how to make appropriate accommodations to
- Implement equitable access to social structures (including within therapy, school, work environments)
- Explain risk factors and prevalence of trauma within Neurodivergent populations
- Distinguish symptoms of trauma and Neurodivergence to inform accurate diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment planning
- Explain assessment and diagnosis for Autism/ ADHD
- Interpret case formulation through both Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lenses
- Utilise affirming accommodations and adaptations to therapy to support Neurodivergent people to heal from experiences of trauma.
- Recognise “behaviours” through an affirming framework
- Review support needs for Autistic/ADHD people
- Make sense of Trauma Symptoms in Neurodivergent Populations
- Outline health and wellbeing outcomes for Autistic/ADHD people
- Scrutinise common adverse life experiences and trauma in Autistic/ADHD populations
- Describe impacts of trauma on Autistic/ADHD people
- Determine symptom differentiation of Autism/ADHD from trauma-related disorders
- Review the literature regarding available ‘treatment’ for Autistic/ADHD people
- Identify barriers to accessing treatment for Autistic/ADHD people
- Give examples of case formulation through integration of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed frameworks
- Critique the Square Model (Mitchelson & Clarke, 2022) as a wholistic approach to therapy with Autistic/ADHD people
- Produce strategies to address executive functioning, sensory needs, interoceptive skills, and communication needs
Outline
Introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Practise
- Introduction to the concept of Neurodiversity
- Social Model of Disability and implications for work with Autistic/ADHD people
- Exploration of ableism and implicit biases impacting treatment
- Understanding new trends in Autism/ADHD literature
- Neurodevelopmental differences for Autistic/ADHD people
- An overview of assessment and diagnosis for Autism/ ADHD
- Reframing “behaviours” through an affirming framework
- Foundational support needs for Autistic/ADHD people
Understanding Trauma Symptoms in Neurodivergent Populations
- Mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Autistic/ADHD people
- Adverse life experiences and trauma in Autistic/ADHD populations
- Impacts of trauma on Autistic/ADHD people
- Symptom differentiation of Autism/ADHD from trauma-related disorders
- Reviewing the literature regarding available ‘treatment’ for Autistic/ADHD people
- Barriers to accessing treatment for Autistic/ADHD people
Integrating Neurodiversity Affirming and Trauma-Informed Practise
- Case formulation through integration of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed frameworks
- ‘4 P’ case formulation with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Introduction to the Square Model (Mitchelson & Clarke, 2022) as a wholistic approach to therapy with Autistic/ADHD people
- Strategies to address executive functioning
- Strategies to address sensory needs
- Strategies to address interoceptive skills
- Strategies to addresss communication needs
- Closure
Copyright : 15/11/2023
Session Two: How Your Neurodiverse Clients Experience Trauma… and How They Heal
Program Information
Objectives
- Examine the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement (NAM) to support practitioner’s understanding of strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Identify new trends in Autism/ADHD literature
- Define myths, ableism, and implicit biases which impact work with Neurodivergent clients
- Outline Autistic and ADHD neurocognitive differences, with emphasis on how to make appropriate accommodations to
- Implement equitable access to social structures (including within therapy, school, work environments)
- Explain risk factors and prevalence of trauma within Neurodivergent populations
- Distinguish symptoms of trauma and Neurodivergence to inform accurate diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment planning
- Explain assessment and diagnosis for Autism/ ADHD
- Interpret case formulation through both Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lenses
- Utilise affirming accommodations and adaptations to therapy to support Neurodivergent people to heal from experiences of trauma.
- Recognise “behaviours” through an affirming framework
- Review support needs for Autistic/ADHD people
- Make sense of Trauma Symptoms in Neurodivergent Populations
- Outline health and wellbeing outcomes for Autistic/ADHD people
- Scrutinise common adverse life experiences and trauma in Autistic/ADHD populations
- Describe impacts of trauma on Autistic/ADHD people
- Determine symptom differentiation of Autism/ADHD from trauma-related disorders
- Review the literature regarding available ‘treatment’ for Autistic/ADHD people
- Identify barriers to accessing treatment for Autistic/ADHD people
- Give examples of case formulation through integration of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed frameworks
- Critique the Square Model (Mitchelson & Clarke, 2022) as a wholistic approach to therapy with Autistic/ADHD people
- Produce strategies to address executive functioning, sensory needs, interoceptive skills, and communication needs
Outline
Introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Practise
- Introduction to the concept of Neurodiversity
- Social Model of Disability and implications for work with Autistic/ADHD people
- Exploration of ableism and implicit biases impacting treatment
- Understanding new trends in Autism/ADHD literature
- Neurodevelopmental differences for Autistic/ADHD people
- An overview of assessment and diagnosis for Autism/ ADHD
- Reframing “behaviours” through an affirming framework
- Foundational support needs for Autistic/ADHD people
Understanding Trauma Symptoms in Neurodivergent Populations
- Mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Autistic/ADHD people
- Adverse life experiences and trauma in Autistic/ADHD populations
- Impacts of trauma on Autistic/ADHD people
- Symptom differentiation of Autism/ADHD from trauma-related disorders
- Reviewing the literature regarding available ‘treatment’ for Autistic/ADHD people
- Barriers to accessing treatment for Autistic/ADHD people
Integrating Neurodiversity Affirming and Trauma-Informed Practise
- Case formulation through integration of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed frameworks
- ‘4 P’ case formulation with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Introduction to the Square Model (Mitchelson & Clarke, 2022) as a wholistic approach to therapy with Autistic/ADHD people
- Strategies to address executive functioning
- Strategies to address sensory needs
- Strategies to address interoceptive skills
- Strategies to addresss communication needs
- Closure
Copyright : 15/11/2023
Session Three: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Framework for Trauma Therapy
Program Information
Objectives
- Examine the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement (NAM) to support practitioner’s understanding of strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Identify new trends in Autism/ADHD literature
- Define myths, ableism, and implicit biases which impact work with Neurodivergent clients
- Outline Autistic and ADHD neurocognitive differences, with emphasis on how to make appropriate accommodations to
- Implement equitable access to social structures (including within therapy, school, work environments)
- Explain risk factors and prevalence of trauma within Neurodivergent populations
- Distinguish symptoms of trauma and Neurodivergence to inform accurate diagnosis, case formulation, and treatment planning
- Explain assessment and diagnosis for Autism/ ADHD
- Interpret case formulation through both Neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed lenses
- Utilise affirming accommodations and adaptations to therapy to support Neurodivergent people to heal from experiences of trauma.
- Recognise “behaviours” through an affirming framework
- Review support needs for Autistic/ADHD people
- Make sense of Trauma Symptoms in Neurodivergent Populations
- Outline health and wellbeing outcomes for Autistic/ADHD people
- Scrutinise common adverse life experiences and trauma in Autistic/ADHD populations
- Describe impacts of trauma on Autistic/ADHD people
- Determine symptom differentiation of Autism/ADHD from trauma-related disorders
- Review the literature regarding available ‘treatment’ for Autistic/ADHD people
- Identify barriers to accessing treatment for Autistic/ADHD people
- Give examples of case formulation through integration of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed frameworks
- Critique the Square Model (Mitchelson & Clarke, 2022) as a wholistic approach to therapy with Autistic/ADHD people
- Produce strategies to address executive functioning, sensory needs, interoceptive skills, and communication needs
Outline
Introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Practise
- Introduction to the concept of Neurodiversity
- Social Model of Disability and implications for work with Autistic/ADHD people
- Exploration of ableism and implicit biases impacting treatment
- Understanding new trends in Autism/ADHD literature
- Neurodevelopmental differences for Autistic/ADHD people
- An overview of assessment and diagnosis for Autism/ ADHD
- Reframing “behaviours” through an affirming framework
- Foundational support needs for Autistic/ADHD people
Understanding Trauma Symptoms in Neurodivergent Populations
- Mental health and wellbeing outcomes for Autistic/ADHD people
- Adverse life experiences and trauma in Autistic/ADHD populations
- Impacts of trauma on Autistic/ADHD people
- Symptom differentiation of Autism/ADHD from trauma-related disorders
- Reviewing the literature regarding available ‘treatment’ for Autistic/ADHD people
- Barriers to accessing treatment for Autistic/ADHD people
Integrating Neurodiversity Affirming and Trauma-Informed Practise
- Case formulation through integration of neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed frameworks
- ‘4 P’ case formulation with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Introduction to the Square Model (Mitchelson & Clarke, 2022) as a wholistic approach to therapy with Autistic/ADHD people
- Strategies to address executive functioning
- Strategies to address sensory needs
- Strategies to address interoceptive skills
- Strategies to addresss communication needs
- Closure
Copyright : 15/11/2023
Session Four: Autism and ADHD in Girls and Women – Part 1
Living while female can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield of explosive experiences.
The prevalence of violence against women in society… The cultural pressure to be attractive, sexually modest, the primary caregiver, and more… And hormonal transitions specific to the female experience, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause…
All contribute to a uniquely challenging, sometimes traumatising, and often misunderstood life experience for girls and women.
Now, add to that the anxiety of being ‘different’ than your peers, without understanding why… Being bullied, ridiculed, and alienated for your differences…
Which cause you to become withdrawn, depressed… Even believing you’re less deserving of love because there’s ‘something wrong’ with you. This is the brutal reality of thousands of women and girls living with mis- or undiagnosed ADHD or Autism.
The struggles of neurodivergent women and girls have long been ignored, silenced, labelled as a personality disorder or hysterics… Or they themselves dismissed as ‘drama queens’.
But leading-edge research proves the female population presents symptoms of ADHD and Autism differently than males… And their hormones have a more powerful impact on their symptoms, both of which change throughout the lifespan.
Girls also learn to mask earlier—and better—than boys.
Which is why most therapists miss the signs of undiagnosed neurodiversity in girls and women.
But not you.
Because when you’ve completed the Autism & ADHD in Girls and Women online summit you’ll know how to recognise Autistic and ADHD girls and women within your client base…
And how to use Neurodiversity Affirming approaches to help them find relief from the shame, confusion, and sadness that comes from living mis- or undiagnosed.
You’ll also get a curated collection of female-focused Neurodiversity Affirming resources for Autistic and ADHD clients and practitioners including podcasts, books, organisations, and neurodivergent role models.
Program Information
Objectives
Learning Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of how Autism and ADHD presents in girls and women/AFAB
- Develop an understanding of Intersectional factors in research and practice that affect Autistic and ADHD girls and women/AFAB
- Develop skills to critically analyze gender bias in practice and research regarding Autism and ADHD in girls and women
- Develop an understanding of the impact of hormonal changes for Autistic and ADHD girls and women across the lifespan
- Develop knowledge of the unique physical and mental health co-occurring conditions that impact neurodivergent girls and women
- To develop competency in adapting your clinical practice to work with neurodivergent girls and women in an affirming way
- Develop the skills to support Autistic and ADHD girls and women across the lifespan
Outline
Morning Session
- Brief overview of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
- Overview of implicit bias present in psychology regarding Autism and ADHD
- Gender Bias in research and practice with Autistic and ADHD girls and women including critical analysis of gender bias in prevalence rates, diagnosis and accessing services
- Intersectionality including sexuality, race and culture, and ageism
- What does Autism look like in girls and women
- What does ADHD look like in girls and women
- Masking and impact of masking on girls and women
- Common Co-occurring mental health and physical health conditions for neurodivergent girls and women including PMDD
Afternoon Session
- The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health Across the Lifespan for Autistic and ADHD Girls and Women /AFAB
- The role that Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone play in neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine
- The role of the menstrual cycle on mood, cognition, emotional regulation and impulsivity in ADHD and Autism
- The Impact of Puberty and Periods on mental health in Autism and ADHD and what supports clients may need during this period
- The impact of Pregnancy and Post-Natal Period on mental health in Autism and ADHD and what supports clients may need during this period
- The impact of Perimenopause and Menopause on mental health in Autism and ADHD and what supports clients may need during this period
Copyright : 25/08/2023
Session Four: Autism and ADHD in Girls and Women – Part 2
Living while female can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield of explosive experiences.
The prevalence of violence against women in society… The cultural pressure to be attractive, sexually modest, the primary caregiver, and more… And hormonal transitions specific to the female experience, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause…
All contribute to a uniquely challenging, sometimes traumatising, and often misunderstood life experience for girls and women.
Now, add to that the anxiety of being ‘different’ than your peers, without understanding why… Being bullied, ridiculed, and alienated for your differences…
Which cause you to become withdrawn, depressed… Even believing you’re less deserving of love because there’s ‘something wrong’ with you. This is the brutal reality of thousands of women and girls living with mis- or undiagnosed ADHD or Autism.
The struggles of neurodivergent women and girls have long been ignored, silenced, labelled as a personality disorder or hysterics… Or they themselves dismissed as ‘drama queens’.
But leading-edge research proves the female population presents symptoms of ADHD and Autism differently than males… And their hormones have a more powerful impact on their symptoms, both of which change throughout the lifespan.
Girls also learn to mask earlier—and better—than boys.
Which is why most therapists miss the signs of undiagnosed neurodiversity in girls and women.
But not you.
Because when you’ve completed the Autism & ADHD in Girls and Women online summit you’ll know how to recognise Autistic and ADHD girls and women within your client base…
And how to use Neurodiversity Affirming approaches to help them find relief from the shame, confusion, and sadness that comes from living mis- or undiagnosed.
You’ll also get a curated collection of female-focused Neurodiversity Affirming resources for Autistic and ADHD clients and practitioners including podcasts, books, organisations, and neurodivergent role models.
Program Information
Objectives
Learning Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of how Autism and ADHD presents in girls and women/AFAB
- Develop an understanding of Intersectional factors in research and practice that affect Autistic and ADHD girls and women/AFAB
- Develop skills to critically analyze gender bias in practice and research regarding Autism and ADHD in girls and women
- Develop an understanding of the impact of hormonal changes for Autistic and ADHD girls and women across the lifespan
- Develop knowledge of the unique physical and mental health co-occurring conditions that impact neurodivergent girls and women
- To develop competency in adapting your clinical practice to work with neurodivergent girls and women in an affirming way
- Develop the skills to support Autistic and ADHD girls and women across the lifespan
Outline
Morning Session
- Brief overview of Neurodiversity Affirming Practice
- Overview of implicit bias present in psychology regarding Autism and ADHD
- Gender Bias in research and practice with Autistic and ADHD girls and women including critical analysis of gender bias in prevalence rates, diagnosis and accessing services
- Intersectionality including sexuality, race and culture, and ageism
- What does Autism look like in girls and women
- What does ADHD look like in girls and women
- Masking and impact of masking on girls and women
- Common Co-occurring mental health and physical health conditions for neurodivergent girls and women including PMDD
Afternoon Session
- The Impact of Hormones on Mental Health Across the Lifespan for Autistic and ADHD Girls and Women /AFAB
- The role that Estrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone play in neurotransmitters such as Serotonin and Dopamine
- The role of the menstrual cycle on mood, cognition, emotional regulation and impulsivity in ADHD and Autism
- The Impact of Puberty and Periods on mental health in Autism and ADHD and what supports clients may need during this period
- The impact of Pregnancy and Post-Natal Period on mental health in Autism and ADHD and what supports clients may need during this period
- The impact of Perimenopause and Menopause on mental health in Autism and ADHD and what supports clients may need during this period
Copyright : 25/08/2023
Session Five: Autism and ADHD in Children and Adolescents – Part 1
Discover powerful new tools to help neurodiverse children and adolescents thrive
Neurodiverse children and adolescents are navigating a world not built for them.
And between struggles with sensory overload, communication barriers, social stigma from their peers, and outdated models of neurodivergence that pathologize their behavior…
The way forward can seem impossible to find.
For you, your young client, and their caregivers.
But new developments in Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy offer powerful tools to help these vulnerable young clients.
In this focused training with Clinical Psychologist and neurodiversity specialist Anna Clarke, you’ll discover practical strategies to provide the comprehensive support these children and their caregivers need:
In this training, you’ll discover:
-
Common myths and misunderstandings about ADHD and Autism
-
Evidence-backed strategies for working with neurodivergent children and youth
-
Coaching strategies to support parents, caregivers, and the whole system around neurodivergent young clients
With the practical tools you’ll learn in this training, you’ll finally see these uniquely vulnerable clients flourish as the person that they are rather than struggle to be someone they’re not.
Program Information
Objectives
- Providing a thorough introduction to the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement (NAM) to support practitioner’s understanding of strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Conceptualising the Autistic/ADHD child as part of a broader system and how social structures, ableism, and implicit biases impact how we support children
- Identifying the underlying functions of “challenging behaviours” and responding through an affirming lens
- Understanding differences in ways Autistic/ADHD children communicate and engage in play
- Addressing barriers to treatment and ways to increase involvement from parents and stakeholders in the child’s care
- Managing power imbalance when working with children with disability
- Co-regulation strategies with Autistic/ADHD children
- Neurodiversity-affirming accommodations across therapy, home, and school environments
Outline
-
Get a comprehensive introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy
-
Learn about common myths and misunderstandings about cognitions, behaviours and regulation responses
-
Explore the developmental neuropsychology and the unique features in Autism and ADHD
-
Learn to identify Autistic and ADHD behaviour, coping and functioning
-
Emphasize strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
-
Discover research-backed interventions and specific step-by-step skills and methods for effectively supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents to best outcomes
-
Uncover unique ways in which Autistic/ADHD children communicate and engage
-
Interpret the social and emotional cues of Autisitic and ADHD children whilst supporting the development of communication and relational skills
-
Develop fluent and effective communication skills specific to the emotional and cognitive needs of Autistic/ADHD children and adolescents
-
Learn to distinguish, navigate, and alleviate issues related to sensory stimulation, processing, motor skills and overload
-
Address social stigma in neurodivergent individuals and provide psycho-education to them and to their care-givers
-
Identify and overcome obstacles that impede treatment effectiveness for neurodivergent clients.
-
Discover simple to apply interventions for:
-
improving executive functioning
-
exploring and developing emotional intelligence
-
tuning into social and self-awareness
-
valuing difference and growing self-esteem and confidence
-
-
Master coaching techniques to support parents and caregivers in fostering a supportive environment
-
Understand the underlying reasons for ‘challenging behaviors’ and respond with an affirming, empathetic approach
-
Understand how neurodivergent children’s wellbeing is influenced by their broader social and familial systems, recognizing external influences like ableism and biases
-
Learn how play can be a powerful tool in engaging and supporting Autistic/ADHD children
-
Parent and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies:
-
Develop methods to increase active involvement from parents and other key figures in the child’s care
-
Master strategies for effectively co-regulating with Autistic/ADHD children
-
-
Adapting Environments for Neurodiversity:
-
Learn how to make therapeutic, home, and school settings more accommodating for neurodiverse individuals
-
Learn to work collaboratively with other professionals and stakeholders in the care of neurodivergent young clients
-
-
Discover proven strategies to help children with Autism or ADHD develop resilience
-
Consider the impact of diet and medications
-
Learn how to build strong, positive, and affirming therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent clients and their families
Copyright : 13/03/2024
Session Five: Autism and ADHD in Children and Adolescents – Part 2
Discover powerful new tools to help neurodiverse children and adolescents thrive
Neurodiverse children and adolescents are navigating a world not built for them.
And between struggles with sensory overload, communication barriers, social stigma from their peers, and outdated models of neurodivergence that pathologize their behavior…
The way forward can seem impossible to find.
For you, your young client, and their caregivers.
But new developments in Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy offer powerful tools to help these vulnerable young clients.
In this focused training with Clinical Psychologist and neurodiversity specialist Anna Clarke, you’ll discover practical strategies to provide the comprehensive support these children and their caregivers need:
In this training, you’ll discover:
-
Common myths and misunderstandings about ADHD and Autism
-
Evidence-backed strategies for working with neurodivergent children and youth
-
Coaching strategies to support parents, caregivers, and the whole system around neurodivergent young clients
With the practical tools you’ll learn in this training, you’ll finally see these uniquely vulnerable clients flourish as the person that they are rather than struggle to be someone they’re not.
Program Information
Objectives
- Providing a thorough introduction to the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement (NAM) to support practitioner’s understanding of strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Conceptualising the Autistic/ADHD child as part of a broader system and how social structures, ableism, and implicit biases impact how we support children
- Identifying the underlying functions of “challenging behaviours” and responding through an affirming lens
- Understanding differences in ways Autistic/ADHD children communicate and engage in play
- Addressing barriers to treatment and ways to increase involvement from parents and stakeholders in the child’s care
- Managing power imbalance when working with children with disability
- Co-regulation strategies with Autistic/ADHD children
- Neurodiversity-affirming accommodations across therapy, home, and school environments
Outline
-
Get a comprehensive introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy
-
Learn about common myths and misunderstandings about cognitions, behaviours and regulation responses
-
Explore the developmental neuropsychology and the unique features in Autism and ADHD
-
Learn to identify Autistic and ADHD behaviour, coping and functioning
-
Emphasize strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
-
Discover research-backed interventions and specific step-by-step skills and methods for effectively supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents to best outcomes
-
Uncover unique ways in which Autistic/ADHD children communicate and engage
-
Interpret the social and emotional cues of Autisitic and ADHD children whilst supporting the development of communication and relational skills
-
Develop fluent and effective communication skills specific to the emotional and cognitive needs of Autistic/ADHD children and adolescents
-
Learn to distinguish, navigate, and alleviate issues related to sensory stimulation, processing, motor skills and overload
-
Address social stigma in neurodivergent individuals and provide psycho-education to them and to their care-givers
-
Identify and overcome obstacles that impede treatment effectiveness for neurodivergent clients.
-
Discover simple to apply interventions for:
-
improving executive functioning
-
exploring and developing emotional intelligence
-
tuning into social and self-awareness
-
valuing difference and growing self-esteem and confidence
-
-
Master coaching techniques to support parents and caregivers in fostering a supportive environment
-
Understand the underlying reasons for ‘challenging behaviors’ and respond with an affirming, empathetic approach
-
Understand how neurodivergent children’s wellbeing is influenced by their broader social and familial systems, recognizing external influences like ableism and biases
-
Learn how play can be a powerful tool in engaging and supporting Autistic/ADHD children
-
Parent and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies:
-
Develop methods to increase active involvement from parents and other key figures in the child’s care
-
Master strategies for effectively co-regulating with Autistic/ADHD children
-
-
Adapting Environments for Neurodiversity:
-
Learn how to make therapeutic, home, and school settings more accommodating for neurodiverse individuals
-
Learn to work collaboratively with other professionals and stakeholders in the care of neurodivergent young clients
-
-
Discover proven strategies to help children with Autism or ADHD develop resilience
-
Consider the impact of diet and medications
-
Learn how to build strong, positive, and affirming therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent clients and their families
Copyright : 13/03/2024
Session Five: Autism and ADHD in Children and Adolescents – Part 3
Discover powerful new tools to help neurodiverse children and adolescents thrive
Neurodiverse children and adolescents are navigating a world not built for them.
And between struggles with sensory overload, communication barriers, social stigma from their peers, and outdated models of neurodivergence that pathologize their behavior…
The way forward can seem impossible to find.
For you, your young client, and their caregivers.
But new developments in Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy offer powerful tools to help these vulnerable young clients.
In this focused training with Clinical Psychologist and neurodiversity specialist Anna Clarke, you’ll discover practical strategies to provide the comprehensive support these children and their caregivers need:
In this training, you’ll discover:
-
Common myths and misunderstandings about ADHD and Autism
-
Evidence-backed strategies for working with neurodivergent children and youth
-
Coaching strategies to support parents, caregivers, and the whole system around neurodivergent young clients
With the practical tools you’ll learn in this training, you’ll finally see these uniquely vulnerable clients flourish as the person that they are rather than struggle to be someone they’re not.
Program Information
Objectives
- Providing a thorough introduction to the Neurodiversity Affirming Movement (NAM) to support practitioner’s understanding of strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
- Conceptualising the Autistic/ADHD child as part of a broader system and how social structures, ableism, and implicit biases impact how we support children
- Identifying the underlying functions of “challenging behaviours” and responding through an affirming lens
- Understanding differences in ways Autistic/ADHD children communicate and engage in play
- Addressing barriers to treatment and ways to increase involvement from parents and stakeholders in the child’s care
- Managing power imbalance when working with children with disability
- Co-regulation strategies with Autistic/ADHD children
- Neurodiversity-affirming accommodations across therapy, home, and school environments
Outline
-
Get a comprehensive introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy
-
Learn about common myths and misunderstandings about cognitions, behaviours and regulation responses
-
Explore the developmental neuropsychology and the unique features in Autism and ADHD
-
Learn to identify Autistic and ADHD behaviour, coping and functioning
-
Emphasize strengths-based frameworks for working with Autistic/ADHD clients
-
Discover research-backed interventions and specific step-by-step skills and methods for effectively supporting neurodivergent children and adolescents to best outcomes
-
Uncover unique ways in which Autistic/ADHD children communicate and engage
-
Interpret the social and emotional cues of Autisitic and ADHD children whilst supporting the development of communication and relational skills
-
Develop fluent and effective communication skills specific to the emotional and cognitive needs of Autistic/ADHD children and adolescents
-
Learn to distinguish, navigate, and alleviate issues related to sensory stimulation, processing, motor skills and overload
-
Address social stigma in neurodivergent individuals and provide psycho-education to them and to their care-givers
-
Identify and overcome obstacles that impede treatment effectiveness for neurodivergent clients.
-
Discover simple to apply interventions for:
-
improving executive functioning
-
exploring and developing emotional intelligence
-
tuning into social and self-awareness
-
valuing difference and growing self-esteem and confidence
-
-
Master coaching techniques to support parents and caregivers in fostering a supportive environment
-
Understand the underlying reasons for ‘challenging behaviors’ and respond with an affirming, empathetic approach
-
Understand how neurodivergent children’s wellbeing is influenced by their broader social and familial systems, recognizing external influences like ableism and biases
-
Learn how play can be a powerful tool in engaging and supporting Autistic/ADHD children
-
Parent and Stakeholder Engagement Strategies:
-
Develop methods to increase active involvement from parents and other key figures in the child’s care
-
Master strategies for effectively co-regulating with Autistic/ADHD children
-
-
Adapting Environments for Neurodiversity:
-
Learn how to make therapeutic, home, and school settings more accommodating for neurodiverse individuals
-
Learn to work collaboratively with other professionals and stakeholders in the care of neurodivergent young clients
-
-
Discover proven strategies to help children with Autism or ADHD develop resilience
-
Consider the impact of diet and medications
-
Learn how to build strong, positive, and affirming therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent clients and their families
Copyright : 13/03/2024
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT): Working with difference to resolve conflict and deepen connection
“The solution to disengaged neurodiverse couples is the NFDT model plus compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by people living in a world which does not cater to their needs, or way of operating. Never underestimate the strengths of your autistic or ADHDer clients.”
Your existing skills may work well for many couples but Neurodivergence in one or both partners presents specific challenges and requires very specific skills. Without these skills, tolerance, and then love may be lost and your clients will likely take the same problems into their next relationship. This training will help you connect your couples who have different ‘wiring’ so they can develop strong, understanding and loving bonds that endure the challenges of difference.
In this training program, you will learn the steps to use with the advanced empathy skills form Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing and TEAM CBT to set your couples sessions up for success. Robyn will show you how to hear and accurately interpret both points of view and then connect with each, as the translator between two differing neural positions. You will learn the exact steps to help couples move toward each other, to translate and show them the skills.
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT) is designed to help couples when one or both partners have a different way of processing information about the world and responding to that information. It is designed to be friendly, inclusive, and supportive for all those among us who are Autistic or have ADHD. I acknowledge the insights of psychologist Monique Mitchelson and her Model of working with Autistic people and ADHDers in viewing differences with acceptance rather than as deficits needing to be fixed. This training can help us all move toward being part of the solution, not part of the problem.
NFCT has been evolving in response to many reports from distressed couples where some standard approaches to their difficulties only made them feel worse, even less understood and more despairing. The therapy room becomes just another setting where neurodivergent people find it difficult to have their needs met, or to be shown understanding and compassion for their perspectives, or to even feel they can begin to be met on a level playing field.
Frequently we learn that the single largest influence on successful therapeutic outcome is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Consequently, this model explains and makes explicit the qualities of an effective therapist and the environment which needs to be created to ensure success with unconditional positive regard for both partners. The goal is to help couples build happier and more fulfilling relationships by developing strategies that consider the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent couples. The image of a hand is used as a memory aid as you learn how to deliver these tasks:
- Create safety and equality
- Share lived experience of neurodiversity
- Address motivation
- Teach skills
- Hand over the power.
Traditionally we were taught that autistic people have difficulties in understanding theory of mind. At the center of NFCT is the alternative concept of double empathy. Both neurotypical and neurodivergent couples may struggle to understand or value the other’s perspective. This lessens the habit of blaming the other person, or seeing them as defective. It is simply another example of difference.
This workshop will provide demonstrations of how to present information to couples, how to encourage effective communication and how to assist them to problem solve their own areas of conflict. Reference is made to tools of effective couples therapy and how to further simplify these to be more accessible in times of heightened emotion and overwhelm. We will also address the motivation for doing the work, and how to manage ambivalence about change.
I have used John Gottman’s evidence-based model of the Sound Relationship House for over ten years to show the attitudes and behaviors of successful couples. I extend that framework to systematise the components which are needed for therapists to deliver Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT). This workshop will introduce you to the elements needed to assist couples build their own “Safe House for a Neurodivergent Relationship”. You will view demonstrations of many skills to use with couples as they are invited to consider what they would like to include in their own “Safe House. “
Program Information
Outline
DAY 1
Morning Session: Introduction and overview of neurodivergence and couples therapy
- Introduction and reasons to develop a new model of couples therapy.
- Build on current knowledge of effective couples therapy eg John and Julie Gottman, Sue Johnson
- Definitions of Neurodiversity and limitations of medical model in couples counselling.
- Introduce model of “Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy: it’s in your hands!”
- Break out group discussion
Afternoon Session: Getting started: The palm of the hand
- How to create safety and equality
- Provide Unconditional positive regard and respect for difference
- Sources of feedback to repair ruptures in the therapeutic relationshi
- The 5 secrets of effective communication to respond to negative feedback.
- Break out group practice a 5 secret response to negative feedback towards your therapy.
- Use self disclosure appropriately so you role model accepting your onw vulnerabilities and areas of struggle.
- Explore your own biases and assumptions about disability before doing this work
- Value collaboration and show humility to their knowledge of the interaction and issues.
- Physical adaptation of therapy room, using different forms of communication.
DAY 2
Morning Session: Knowledge about neurodiversity: The thumb so you can pick things up
- Going beyond DSM-5 TR. What’s in a name?
- Valuable sources of information with Monique Mitchelson, Devon Price, Chloe Hayden
- Likelihood of comorbidities with anxiety and trauma.
- Theory of mind versus double empathy.
- Strengths of many ND people.
- Break out group What is wrong with this identification checklist item? How can you make it more inclusive?
Afternoon Session: Third finger: Motivation: why do this work
- Fundamental attribution error (It’s not my fault, fix the other1)
- David Burns notion of working with resistance to change yourself
- Demonstration of the Cost Benefit Analysis of having to let go of blaming the other for the problems
- Options available to couples and likely outcomes.
- Sitting with open hands: respect their choice not to do this work
- Possible practice session with very clear vignette for them to role play: one as the therapist, other the pretend client
DAY 3
Morning Session: Teach skills and build understanding
- Myhill and Jekyll model : Act as interpreter : Go slow> be concrete> Clarify and confirm> Repeat, Repeat, Repeat.
- Goal to improve communication, manage conflict and melt downs , modify environment , improve emotional connection
- Provide psychoeducation about what challenges result from neurology. Normalising their experience.
- Provide memory aids or summaries. Worksheets, take photos with phone. Duck , bunny image and other visual illusions to build acceptance of different viewpoints.
- Gottman resources at a high level of sophistication . Dreams within conflict, aftermath of a fight, compromise circles.
- Inevitability of trial and error. Underpin standard approach with teaching to recognize emotions in each other.
- Demonstration of how to introduce “time out “ when conflict is escalating
Afternoon Session: Handing over the power to maintain their own relationship
- Additional skills with one minute drills and the Relationship journal
- Develop their own Neurodivergent Couples Safe house tailored to their needs
- Deciding when to phase out and “graduate” from therapy
- Maintenance kit for relapse prevention.
- Recap : avoid these behaviors, do these……
Objectives
Learning objectives of this training:
- Reflect on personal biases and assumptions about neurodivergent individuals and relationships which are fostered by the medical model of disability.
- Learn strategies for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment to neurodivergent clients including accommodations for sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and individual needs.
- Consider the impact of trauma on your clients and the role of intersectionality, especially where your clients may identify with multiple marginalized communities, eg impact of race or migration.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the components necessary for “Neurodivergent Friendly Couples therapy: It’s in your hands”
- List the pitfalls to avoid when working with Neurodivergent couples.
- Practice receiving and responding to negative feedback in a way that restores the therapeutic relationship.
Copyright : 30/08/2023
LIVE ONLINE EVENT! | Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT): Working with difference to resolve conflict and deepen connection
“The solution to disengaged neurodiverse couples is the NFDT model plus compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by people living in a world which does not cater to their needs, or way of operating. Never underestimate the strengths of your autistic or ADHDer clients.”
Your existing skills may work well for many couples but Neurodivergence in one or both partners presents specific challenges and requires very specific skills. Without these skills, tolerance, and then love may be lost and your clients will likely take the same problems into their next relationship. This training will help you connect your couples who have different ‘wiring’ so they can develop strong, understanding and loving bonds that endure the challenges of difference.
In this training program, you will learn the steps to use with the advanced empathy skills form Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing and TEAM CBT to set your couples sessions up for success. Robyn will show you how to hear and accurately interpret both points of view and then connect with each, as the translator between two differing neural positions. You will learn the exact steps to help couples move toward each other, to translate and show them the skills.
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT) is designed to help couples when one or both partners have a different way of processing information about the world and responding to that information. It is designed to be friendly, inclusive, and supportive for all those among us who are Autistic or have ADHD. I acknowledge the insights of psychologist Monique Mitchelson and her Model of working with Autistic people and ADHDers in viewing differences with acceptance rather than as deficits needing to be fixed. This training can help us all move toward being part of the solution, not part of the problem.
NFCT has been evolving in response to many reports from distressed couples where some standard approaches to their difficulties only made them feel worse, even less understood and more despairing. The therapy room becomes just another setting where neurodivergent people find it difficult to have their needs met, or to be shown understanding and compassion for their perspectives, or to even feel they can begin to be met on a level playing field.
Frequently we learn that the single largest influence on successful therapeutic outcome is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Consequently, this model explains and makes explicit the qualities of an effective therapist and the environment which needs to be created to ensure success with unconditional positive regard for both partners. The goal is to help couples build happier and more fulfilling relationships by developing strategies that consider the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent couples. The image of a hand is used as a memory aid as you learn how to deliver these tasks:
- Create safety and equality
- Share lived experience of neurodiversity
- Address motivation
- Teach skills
- Hand over the power.
Traditionally we were taught that autistic people have difficulties in understanding theory of mind. At the center of NFCT is the alternative concept of double empathy. Both neurotypical and neurodivergent couples may struggle to understand or value the other’s perspective. This lessens the habit of blaming the other person, or seeing them as defective. It is simply another example of difference.
This workshop will provide demonstrations of how to present information to couples, how to encourage effective communication and how to assist them to problem solve their own areas of conflict. Reference is made to tools of effective couples therapy and how to further simplify these to be more accessible in times of heightened emotion and overwhelm. We will also address the motivation for doing the work, and how to manage ambivalence about change.
I have used John Gottman’s evidence-based model of the Sound Relationship House for over ten years to show the attitudes and behaviors of successful couples. I extend that framework to systematise the components which are needed for therapists to deliver Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT). This workshop will introduce you to the elements needed to assist couples build their own “Safe House for a Neurodivergent Relationship”. You will view demonstrations of many skills to use with couples as they are invited to consider what they would like to include in their own “Safe House. “
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUS FOR LIVE EVENT ATTENDEES: Check the registration details page for more information.
Copyright : 30/08/2023
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT) – Session 3
“The solution to disengaged neurodiverse couples is the NFDT model plus compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by people living in a world which does not cater to their needs, or way of operating. Never underestimate the strengths of your autistic or ADHDer clients.”
Your existing skills may work well for many couples but Neurodivergence in one or both partners presents specific challenges and requires very specific skills. Without these skills, tolerance, and then love may be lost and your clients will likely take the same problems into their next relationship. This training will help you connect your couples who have different ‘wiring’ so they can develop strong, understanding and loving bonds that endure the challenges of difference.
In this training program, you will learn the steps to use with the advanced empathy skills form Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing and TEAM CBT to set your couples sessions up for success. Robyn will show you how to hear and accurately interpret both points of view and then connect with each, as the translator between two differing neural positions. You will learn the exact steps to help couples move toward each other, to translate and show them the skills.
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT) is designed to help couples when one or both partners have a different way of processing information about the world and responding to that information. It is designed to be friendly, inclusive, and supportive for all those among us who are Autistic or have ADHD. I acknowledge the insights of psychologist Monique Mitchelson and her Model of working with Autistic people and ADHDers in viewing differences with acceptance rather than as deficits needing to be fixed. This training can help us all move toward being part of the solution, not part of the problem.
NFCT has been evolving in response to many reports from distressed couples where some standard approaches to their difficulties only made them feel worse, even less understood and more despairing. The therapy room becomes just another setting where neurodivergent people find it difficult to have their needs met, or to be shown understanding and compassion for their perspectives, or to even feel they can begin to be met on a level playing field.
Frequently we learn that the single largest influence on successful therapeutic outcome is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Consequently, this model explains and makes explicit the qualities of an effective therapist and the environment which needs to be created to ensure success with unconditional positive regard for both partners. The goal is to help couples build happier and more fulfilling relationships by developing strategies that consider the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent couples. The image of a hand is used as a memory aid as you learn how to deliver these tasks:
- Create safety and equality
- Share lived experience of neurodiversity
- Address motivation
- Teach skills
- Hand over the power.
Traditionally we were taught that autistic people have difficulties in understanding theory of mind. At the center of NFCT is the alternative concept of double empathy. Both neurotypical and neurodivergent couples may struggle to understand or value the other’s perspective. This lessens the habit of blaming the other person, or seeing them as defective. It is simply another example of difference.
This workshop will provide demonstrations of how to present information to couples, how to encourage effective communication and how to assist them to problem solve their own areas of conflict. Reference is made to tools of effective couples therapy and how to further simplify these to be more accessible in times of heightened emotion and overwhelm. We will also address the motivation for doing the work, and how to manage ambivalence about change.
I have used John Gottman’s evidence-based model of the Sound Relationship House for over ten years to show the attitudes and behaviors of successful couples. I extend that framework to systematise the components which are needed for therapists to deliver Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT). This workshop will introduce you to the elements needed to assist couples build their own “Safe House for a Neurodivergent Relationship”. You will view demonstrations of many skills to use with couples as they are invited to consider what they would like to include in their own “Safe House. “
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUS FOR LIVE EVENT ATTENDEES: Check the registration details page for more information.
Copyright : 30/08/2023
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT): Working with difference to resolve conflict and deepen connection
Copyright : 30/08/2023
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT): Working with difference to resolve conflict and deepen connection
“The solution to disengaged neurodiverse couples is the NFDT model plus compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by people living in a world which does not cater to their needs, or way of operating. Never underestimate the strengths of your autistic or ADHDer clients.”
Your existing skills may work well for many couples but Neurodivergence in one or both partners presents specific challenges and requires very specific skills. Without these skills, tolerance, and then love may be lost and your clients will likely take the same problems into their next relationship. This training will help you connect your couples who have different ‘wiring’ so they can develop strong, understanding and loving bonds that endure the challenges of difference.
In this training program, you will learn the steps to use with the advanced empathy skills form Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing and TEAM CBT to set your couples sessions up for success. Robyn will show you how to hear and accurately interpret both points of view and then connect with each, as the translator between two differing neural positions. You will learn the exact steps to help couples move toward each other, to translate and show them the skills.
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT) is designed to help couples when one or both partners have a different way of processing information about the world and responding to that information. It is designed to be friendly, inclusive, and supportive for all those among us who are Autistic or have ADHD. I acknowledge the insights of psychologist Monique Mitchelson and her Model of working with Autistic people and ADHDers in viewing differences with acceptance rather than as deficits needing to be fixed. This training can help us all move toward being part of the solution, not part of the problem.
NFCT has been evolving in response to many reports from distressed couples where some standard approaches to their difficulties only made them feel worse, even less understood and more despairing. The therapy room becomes just another setting where neurodivergent people find it difficult to have their needs met, or to be shown understanding and compassion for their perspectives, or to even feel they can begin to be met on a level playing field.
Frequently we learn that the single largest influence on successful therapeutic outcome is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Consequently, this model explains and makes explicit the qualities of an effective therapist and the environment which needs to be created to ensure success with unconditional positive regard for both partners. The goal is to help couples build happier and more fulfilling relationships by developing strategies that consider the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent couples. The image of a hand is used as a memory aid as you learn how to deliver these tasks:
- Create safety and equality
- Share lived experience of neurodiversity
- Address motivation
- Teach skills
- Hand over the power.
Traditionally we were taught that autistic people have difficulties in understanding theory of mind. At the center of NFCT is the alternative concept of double empathy. Both neurotypical and neurodivergent couples may struggle to understand or value the other’s perspective. This lessens the habit of blaming the other person, or seeing them as defective. It is simply another example of difference.
This workshop will provide demonstrations of how to present information to couples, how to encourage effective communication and how to assist them to problem solve their own areas of conflict. Reference is made to tools of effective couples therapy and how to further simplify these to be more accessible in times of heightened emotion and overwhelm. We will also address the motivation for doing the work, and how to manage ambivalence about change.
I have used John Gottman’s evidence-based model of the Sound Relationship House for over ten years to show the attitudes and behaviors of successful couples. I extend that framework to systematise the components which are needed for therapists to deliver Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT). This workshop will introduce you to the elements needed to assist couples build their own “Safe House for a Neurodivergent Relationship”. You will view demonstrations of many skills to use with couples as they are invited to consider what they would like to include in their own “Safe House. “
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUS FOR LIVE EVENT ATTENDEES: Check the registration details page for more information.
Copyright : 30/08/2023
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT): Working with difference to resolve conflict and deepen connection
“The solution to disengaged neurodiverse couples is the NFDT model plus compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by people living in a world which does not cater to their needs, or way of operating. Never underestimate the strengths of your autistic or ADHDer clients.”
Your existing skills may work well for many couples but Neurodivergence in one or both partners presents specific challenges and requires very specific skills. Without these skills, tolerance, and then love may be lost and your clients will likely take the same problems into their next relationship. This training will help you connect your couples who have different ‘wiring’ so they can develop strong, understanding and loving bonds that endure the challenges of difference.
In this training program, you will learn the steps to use with the advanced empathy skills form Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing and TEAM CBT to set your couples sessions up for success. Robyn will show you how to hear and accurately interpret both points of view and then connect with each, as the translator between two differing neural positions. You will learn the exact steps to help couples move toward each other, to translate and show them the skills.
Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT) is designed to help couples when one or both partners have a different way of processing information about the world and responding to that information. It is designed to be friendly, inclusive, and supportive for all those among us who are Autistic or have ADHD. I acknowledge the insights of psychologist Monique Mitchelson and her Model of working with Autistic people and ADHDers in viewing differences with acceptance rather than as deficits needing to be fixed. This training can help us all move toward being part of the solution, not part of the problem.
NFCT has been evolving in response to many reports from distressed couples where some standard approaches to their difficulties only made them feel worse, even less understood and more despairing. The therapy room becomes just another setting where neurodivergent people find it difficult to have their needs met, or to be shown understanding and compassion for their perspectives, or to even feel they can begin to be met on a level playing field.
Frequently we learn that the single largest influence on successful therapeutic outcome is the relationship between the therapist and the client. Consequently, this model explains and makes explicit the qualities of an effective therapist and the environment which needs to be created to ensure success with unconditional positive regard for both partners. The goal is to help couples build happier and more fulfilling relationships by developing strategies that consider the unique strengths and challenges of neurodivergent couples. The image of a hand is used as a memory aid as you learn how to deliver these tasks:
- Create safety and equality
- Share lived experience of neurodiversity
- Address motivation
- Teach skills
- Hand over the power.
Traditionally we were taught that autistic people have difficulties in understanding theory of mind. At the center of NFCT is the alternative concept of double empathy. Both neurotypical and neurodivergent couples may struggle to understand or value the other’s perspective. This lessens the habit of blaming the other person, or seeing them as defective. It is simply another example of difference.
This workshop will provide demonstrations of how to present information to couples, how to encourage effective communication and how to assist them to problem solve their own areas of conflict. Reference is made to tools of effective couples therapy and how to further simplify these to be more accessible in times of heightened emotion and overwhelm. We will also address the motivation for doing the work, and how to manage ambivalence about change.
I have used John Gottman’s evidence-based model of the Sound Relationship House for over ten years to show the attitudes and behaviors of successful couples. I extend that framework to systematise the components which are needed for therapists to deliver Neurodivergent Friendly Couples Therapy (NFCT). This workshop will introduce you to the elements needed to assist couples build their own “Safe House for a Neurodivergent Relationship”. You will view demonstrations of many skills to use with couples as they are invited to consider what they would like to include in their own “Safe House. “
EXCLUSIVE FREE BONUS FOR LIVE EVENT ATTENDEES: Check the registration details page for more information.
Copyright : 30/08/2023
