Neurodivergence Unveiled
Learn about neurodiversity through the lens of trauma and identity. 2 CEs available for LMFTs, LPCCs, LCSWs, and LEPs.
This course is FREE for Marin CAMFT members! Log on to your member profile at marincamft.org to find the sign-up code.
Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client - Part 2
Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client - Part 3
Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client - Post-Test
Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client - Course Eval
This presentation, led by an autistic mental health therapist, guides clinicians through a deep exploration of neurodivergence, trauma, and the challenges in understanding and identifying neurodivergent clients. Drawing from lived and professional experience, this course provides clinicians with a framework to reduce ableist perspectives, enhance therapeutic rapport, and apply an anti-ableist, affirming worldview to their practice. The presentation delves into the nuances of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD), highlighting how these conditions intersect and how therapists can more accurately identify and support neurodivergent clients. Participants will gain practical tools to navigate sensory processing needs, adapt existing evidence-based practices, and reframe their approach to neurodivergence for more inclusive, effective care.
This course is designed to help therapists identify and understand the lived experience of neurodivergence, while reducing ableist identification of neurodivergence. By reframing neurodivergence through an anti-ableist, affirming worldview, clinicians will be equipped to enhance their approach to trauma-informed care and adapt their practices to better serve neurodivergent clients.
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
Differentiate 3 differences between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Complex PTSD (CPTSD), identifying the key similarities and differences between these conditions.
Recognize and address 3 common areas of misdiagnosis, especially in clients of color, and understand the implications of such misdiagnoses.
Describe at least 3 strategies for adapting existing evidence-based practices to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent clients.
Stephanie Kollar, MA, LMFT has a diverse background in mental health work, including field-based family therapy with families living in poverty and navigating high levels of intersectional identities. Specializing in neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges, Stephanie developed a keen ability to differentiate between subtle diagnostic distinctions and recognized the importance of honoring neurodivergent differences. She has also provided short-term, evidence-based care for adults and now runs a private practice focused on anti-ableist, affirming care for neurodivergent individuals. As a professor in the Master’s of Clinical Psychology program at Antioch University Santa Barbara, her alma mater, Stephanie specializes in the intersection of neuroscience and anti-ableist mental health care. Identifying as both autistic and ADHD (AUDHD), she integrates her lived experience into her work, helping students and colleagues better understand and engage with the neurodivergent experience