Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Ethics and Best Practices

Course Description

The field of autism research is growing rapidly. Within the neurodiversity movement, the importance of affirming approaches in therapy cannot be understated. Additionally, there is currently a clear need for clinicians who are neurodivergent-affirming in both belief and practice while maintaining integrity in their evidence-based practices and high-quality therapeutic interventions. This course addresses this need within the neurodiversity framework. Therapists, psychologists, and other treatment providers will leave this course able to identify and integrate neurodivergent-affirming practices into their therapy sessions.

In this course, offered live on Zoom, we will explore how to integrate principles of neurodiversity, including neurodivergent-affirming practices, into therapy sessions from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective, from initial consult through the therapeutic process. First, the fundamental principles of neurodiversity will be explored. Then, clinicians will learn to identify best practices for assessing and supporting neurodivergent clients. The importance of tailoring evidence-based therapeutic approaches for neurodiverse populations will be explored. We will explore the ethical considerations and potential dilemmas specific to working with neurodivergent clients. There will also be a focus on the importance of collaboration with other neurodiversity-affirming professionals. Information from autistic self-advocates in the mental health field and beyond will be prioritized.

Who Might Consider Attending

Psychologists and therapists who currently work with or are interested in neurodivergent clients are interested in integrating neurodivergent-affirming services into their practice. Mental health practitioners of all kinds interested in taking a “deep dive” into the neurodiversity movement,

Skill Level

Beginner and Intermediate

Training Date

• Friday April 4, 2025 || 9:00 AM-4:30 PM

Learning Objectives

• Describe fundamental principles of neurodiversity
• Identify best practices for diagnosing and assessing neurodivergent clients
• Recognize evidence-based therapeutic approaches for neurodiverse populations
• Demonstrate effective communication strategies tailored towards neurodivergent needs
• Explain ethical considerations and dilemmas specific to working with neurodivergent clients
• Summarize the importance of collaboration with other neurodiversity-affirming professionals

Schedule

9:00-10:30

• Overview of neurodiversity
• Recognizing and assessing neurodiversity in clients

10:30-10:45

• BREAK

10:45-12:00

• Evidence-based effective modalities for working with neurodivergent clients

12:00-1:00

• LUNCH

1:00-2:30

• Effective communication skills for working with neurodivergent clients
• Ethical considerations and best practices for working with neurodivergent clients

2:30-2:45

• BREAK

2:45-4:30

• Collaboration with other neurodiversity-affirming providers: when, why, and how
• Questions and reflections, further resources