Full Course Description

Neurodiversity and the Ethics of Freedom

This session examines how concepts like cognitive liberty, bodily autonomy, and personal agency challenge traditional ideas of compliance and normalization in clinical practice.

You’ll learn:

Core definitions: neurodiverse, neurodivergent, neurotypical, neuronormative, neurominority
Ethical implications of pathologization and forced compliance
Effects of internalized stigma and deficit-based models
Frameworks for fostering autonomy, agency, and mutual respect in neuro-affirming care

Program Information

Objectives

Define key neurodiversity-related terms (e.g., neurodiverse, neurodivergent, neurotypical, neuronormative, neurominority) to establish a shared language for ethical practice.
Identify ethical principles such as cognitive liberty, bodily autonomy, and consent that inform neuro-affirming care.
Summarize the impact of language and representation on autonomy, self-concept, and stigma within clinical contexts.

Outline

Foundations of the Neurodiversity Paradigm

Core terms: neurodiverse, neurodivergent, neurotypical, neuronormative
Historical and social roots of the movement
Misconceptions: expanding normativity vs rejecting it
Paradigm shift from deficit models to diversity frameworks
Ethical integration of diversity-affirming and medical frameworks in autism care

Language, Power, and Representation

Impact of terminology on autonomy and identity
Inclusive and affirming communication principles
Harmful language patterns and their cultural implications
Examples of reframing language in professional dialogue

Building Neuro-Affirming Environments

Strength-based support frameworks for diverse thinkers
Collaboration and shared decision-making
Accessibility and sensory-informed spaces
Risks and limitations: challenges in implementation and research gaps
Q&A and integration of participant experiences

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Psychologists
Case Managers
Addiction Counselors
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/06/2026

Breaking Free from the Neurodivergent Survival Cycle

Autistic individuals are often subjected to trauma when their neurodivergent needs and behaviors are invalidated or misunderstood. This session introduces the Neurodivergent Survival Cycle to help clinicians recognize and respond to these patterns.

Define “neurodivergent trauma” and its clinical implications
Explore the Neurodivergent Survival Cycle and its impact on mental health
Apply the COMPASS framework for trauma-informed, neuroaffirming care
Use shame-sensitive strategies to foster resilience and self-acceptance
Understand risks and limitations of current research and interventions

Program Information

Objectives

Describe how the Neurodivergent Survival Cycle provides a non-shaming network for understanding how societal factors contribute to chronic shame and adverse mental health outcomes in Autistic individuals.
Identify intervention points throughout the Neurodivergent Survival Cycle to help break the cycle by reducing shame, internalized ableism, and trauma.
Apply the COMPASS model to deliver trauma-informed, Neuroaffirming care that fosters resilience and self-acceptance.

Outline

Neurodivergent Trauma

Describe “Neurodivergent Trauma” and its clinical implications
Acknowledge how Autistic individuals experience trauma at systemic and societal levels due to oppression and marginalization
Identify how Autistic individuals experience trauma at the interpersonal level from being frequently invalidated, misunderstood, or mistreated by others shaped by ableism

Neurodivergent Survival Cycle

Explore the stages of the “Neurodivergent Survival Cycle”
Identify how this cycle perpetuates chronic shame, trauma, and other mental health challenges in Autistic clients
Reflect on clinical biases that pathologize Autistic clients and contribute to ongoing trauma and survival-based coping

Integrate Trauma-Informed and Neuro-Affirming Approaches

Apply the COMPASS mnemonic as a guide to neuroaffirming and trauma-informed care
Use case examples to explore trauma-informed care that challenges neuronormative practices
Integrate shame-sensitive practices to support Autistic clients in moving beyond survival and building shame-resilience and self-acceptance
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Psychologists
Case Managers
Addiction Counselors
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/06/2026

Neuro-Grief and Unseen Loss

Grief in autistic individuals is often unseen—emerging from experiences of exclusion, missed milestones, or the late realization of what self-acceptance could have meant. This session introduces the concept of neurogrief, exploring how loss, identity reconstruction, and meaning-making unfold following autism recognition or diagnosis in adulthood. Participants will learn to recognize and compassionately support these emotional processes using autism-informed and neuro-affirming approaches.

You’ll Learn:

Identify invisible grief and neuro-grief across development and identity
Adaptations of grief frameworks that honor autistic processing and communication
Practical tools for guiding clients through loss, change, and rediscovery
Strategies that strengthen self-compassion, regulation, and belonging
Current research limitations and ethical considerations in practice

Program Information

Objectives

Identify invisible grief and neuro-grief experiences in Autistic clients across developmental stages and identity transitions.
Describe adaptations of traditional grief frameworks to accommodate neurodivergent processing and communication styles.
Select neuroaffirming strategies and therapeutic tools (e.g., narrative therapy, IFS, ACT, DBT-informed supports) to help Autistic clients navigate loss, change, and self-discovery.

Outline

Understanding Neurogrief in Autistic Clients (particularly late diagnosed)

Conceptualizing neurogrief – define neurogrief as the emotional and psychological response to recognizing lifelong neurodivergence, and its effect on identity, belonging, and sense of self (aka: grief of identity), following unmasking or late diagnosis.
Invisible grief from social exclusion, missed milestones, and chronic misunderstanding
Integrating Autism-Informed Lenses – Frame neurogrief within neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed models, highlighting the intersection of self-understanding, acceptance, and societal conditioning.
Therapeutic Modalities and Interventions – Explore use of narrative therapy, internal family systems (IFS) and somatic grounding strategies in supporting clients through identity reconstruction.
Risks and Limitations – Note that empirical research on neurogrief remains limited; therapeutic approaches may inadvertently reinforce deficit-based language or trigger re-traumatization if not adapted for autistic sensory and cognitive processing needs.

Recognizing and Differentiating Types of Loss

Developmental and transitional grief (school, puberty, relationships)
Loss of identity (aka: grief of identity), and imagined futures after self-discovery or diagnosis
Ambiguous and disenfranchised grief in neurodivergent experiences
Systemic invalidation and its impact on mourning

Core Therapeutic Considerations in Addressing Neurogrief

Adaptations of grief models for neurodivergent processing styles
Identity Reconstruction and Self-Integration — Guide clients through acknowledging pre- and post-diagnosis identities, exploring internalized ableism, and cultivating an integrated sense of self that honors neurodivergent identity.
Facilitating Emotional Regulation and Processing — Utilize autism-affirming emotion regulation approaches such as interoceptive awareness training, mindfulness adaptations, and sensory-informed grounding techniques.
Strengthening Connection and Community — Encourage engagement with neurodiverse peer groups and IFS therapy for integration of parts with self and meaning-making.
Risks and Limitations — Recognize that standard therapeutic interventions may inadvertently center neurotypical frameworks; practitioners must avoid pathologizing client experiences and remain critically aware of the limited empirical data on neurogrief processes in autistic adults.

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Psychologists
Case Managers
Addiction Counselors
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/06/2026

Tech-Enhanced Therapy for Autism

Technology is transforming how we understand and support autistic clients—from virtual reality and robotics to apps that build emotional regulation, social engagement, and executive function.

You’ll learn:

How VR, AR, and gamified platforms can strengthen social, emotional, cognitive, and motor skills
Evidence-based teletherapy adaptations and remote coaching strategies for continuity of care
Ways to leverage apps and assistive tech to support sleep, routines, and regulation
Principles of digital inclusion and accessibility to reduce inequities in service delivery

Program Information

Objectives

Examine how emerging digital tools—including virtual and augmented reality, gamified platforms, and assistive technologies—can enhance social connection, emotional regulation, and cognitive growth in autistic individuals.
Differentiate evidence-based telehealth and remote coaching strategies that maintain engagement, promote generalization, and improve continuity of care for neurodivergent clients.
Evaluate ethical, accessibility, and inclusion considerations to ensure safe, equitable, and effective integration of technology-enhanced interventions across clinical settings.

Outline

The Digital Shift in Autism Intervention

From traditional therapy to tech-enhanced models
Benefits: Engagement, generalization, accessibility
Challenges: Digital overload, ethics, privacy, cost
Poll – Which digital tools do you currently use in practice?

Immersive Technologies: VR, AR & Gamification

VR social skills training: Simulated environments for conversation practice
AR applications: Interactive overlays for social cue recognition
Gamified therapy: Motivation through points, levels, avatars
Motor skill development through interactive VR and motion-based games
Case vignette: Using VR for job interview readiness in a teen with autism

Evidence-Based Telehealth and Remote Coaching

Maintaining engagement and rapport remotely
Visual schedules, screen-sharing, parent-led carryover
Digital coaching models: Project ImPACT online, ECHO Autism
Case scenario: How would you coach a parent through sensory routines via telehealth?

AI, Apps & Assistive Technology for Daily Routines

ChatGPT, Replika, or Emotion AI for communication support
Routinely, Todo Visual Schedule, Headspace Kids to support executive functions
Wearable tech: Biofeedback bracelets for self-regulation
Assistive communication: Proloquo2Go, CoughDrop, Avaz AI AAC.
Video Demo: ChatGPT to help create individualized visual schedules or home programs

Digital Inclusion, Accessibility & Ethics

Designing for neurodiversity: Predictable interfaces, sensory-friendly visuals, multimodal feedback
Addressing digital inequities: Access, training, affordability
Ethical concerns: Data privacy, consent, overreliance on tech
Discussion: How can we make digital interventions equitable for all families?

Integration & Application

Video Demo of 1 VR application: Floreo VR – Virtual Reality Social Skills

Risks and Limitations of Tech-Enhanced Interventions

Evidence limitations
Practical & Ethical Considerations
Clinical Takeaway: Technology is a tool, not a treatment.
Resource list : AI Prompt Pack for Autism Support in OT (free download)

Target Audience

Social Workers
Counselors
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Addiction Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health and Rehab Professionals

Copyright : 05/06/2026

Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Desire for Autonomy (PDA) in Autistic Adults

PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) can profoundly impact daily life for Autistic adults, yet it’s often misunderstood. In this session, Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman—Autistic PDA adult and creator of the PDA Safe Circle®—shares her lived experience and introduces a strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming, and nervous system informed framework for reducing distress and increasing thriving in this highly vulnerable population.

Program Information

Objectives

Summarize how PDA manifests in autistic adults and the impact on daily life from a lived-experience perspective.
Identify limitations and risks associated with conventional behavioral interventions for PDAers
Recall the PDA Safe Circle® metaphor as a visual framework for supporting autonomy and reducing distress.

Outline

PDA in Autistic Adults: Lived Experience

How PDA manifests in adulthood
- Story from a PDA young adult
- Story from a married couple with one PDA partner
- Story from a PDAer who is a parent
Common misconceptions

The PDA Safe Circle® Approach

Core metaphor: The safe circle
6 Elements of the Approach: A roadmap to thriving
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Key take-aways for clinicians

Lived experience clarifies PDA is a physiological not psychological disability
The safe circle is a tool clients can use for self-understanding and life design
Felt safety is key for PDAers. How we get there is atypical.

Target Audience

Counselors 
Social Workers 
Marriage & Family Therapists 
Psychologists 
Case Managers 
Addiction Counselors 
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/06/2026

Strengths-Based and Neurodiversity Affirming Approach to Autism Assessment: A Practitioner’s Guide

Have you ever worked with a client and noticed that treatment wasn’t progressing as expected? Or perhaps you noticed a concern related to typical development or an unexplained struggle, and you thought Autism, but didn’t know what to do next?

Join Rebecca Sachs, PhD, ABPP, and learn how to skillfully use specific screening and assessment-based tools and strategies for:

When Autism is hypothesized, and you feel stuck
Understanding unmet needs, delayed skills, and information processing differences that may be impacting treatment
Confidently communicating Autism related considerations to clients, family, and other professionals
Making effective and appropriate referrals
Using assessment as a therapeutic process

By incorporating this knowledge and using the clinical skills that you already have, you will be able to support your client’s underdeveloped areas and unmet needs, as well as harness their strengths and passions!

Program Information

Objectives

Utilize functional assessments to screen for Autism.
Identify the function of challenging behaviors.
Determine what type of referral is appropriate for Autism evaluation or services.

Outline

Assessment and Screening Through a Neurodiversity Lens

Why Assessment is important
Understanding language (autism, support needs, Autistic developmental trajectory)
Age of receiving diagnosis and acceptance
Cost of masking & social camouflage
Benefits of community and a sense of belonging
What is neurodiversity, ablism and disability
Profile and information processing differences
Identifying strengths and passions
Needed supports to promote independence & valued living
Types of Assessment

Behaviors that Challenge Assessment

Diagnosis isn’t the main issue
How to encourage more helpful behaviors, regardless of diagnoses and environment
Current behavior is important to address
Once function of behavior is identified, what next?
Assessing mismatch between expectations and skills needed to meet that demand.
Case Example

When Screening Shows Autism... Now What?

Screenings Everyone can use
Types of referrals to make and why they are so important
Psychoeducation resources
Understanding elements of an appropriate evaluation

Discussing of Autism with Clients (and their Families)

Earlier diagnosis -> earlier intervention -> better trajectory
Educational identification vs medical diagnoses
Thinking beyond the medical model
System challenges: Time to get to a proper evaluation
Racial and economic disparities: Social justice and equity lens
Gender differences and LCBTQA+ diversities
Help clients and caregivers process acceptance and address ambivalence
Discomfort/ambivalence in relaying diagnosis

Assessment as a Therapeutic Process

Why assessment can be therapeutic
Goals and elements of a neurodivergent affirming assessment

Risk and Limitations

Target Audience

Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Psychologists
Social Workers
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
School Administrators
Teachers/School-Based Personnel
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapist Assistants
Addiction Professionals

Copyright : 02/14/2024

Treating Autism Spectrum Co-Morbidities: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Irritability, Anxiety, ADHD, & More

Why do so many autistic kids end up on antipsychotic medications? Sure, they might be helpful, even lifesaving at times, but aren’t they also potentially very harmful? Can’t we try something different first?

Dr. Josh Feder, Editor in Chief at the Carlat Child Psychiatry Report has been calling out Big Pharma for three decades. Drawing on his approach from his latest book, Child Medication Fact Book for Psychiatric Practice, Second Edition, you’ll learn all the steps you might try before resorting to antipsychotic medications to reduce client struggles with irritability, anxiety, aggression, depression, ADHD, and sleep.

From non-pharmacological approaches to supplements, milder medications, and, if you need them, how to monitor for the side effects of antipsychotics and reduce some of the side effects, you’ll be ready to match the interventions with the needs and values of autistic clients and their families.

This is a session you don’t want to miss! Register Now!

Program Information

Objectives

Catalogue three kinds of approaches to helping reduce irritability, anxiety, aggression, depression, ADHD, and sleep in autism.
Theorize the potential for at least three side effects of antipsychotic medications.
Extrapolate three strategies for avoiding or reducing the side effects of antipsychotic medications.

Outline

Meet Betsy – adorable, autistic, but irritable
Sorting out why
Before meds
From supplements to antipsychotics for irritability, anxiety, aggression, depression, ADHD, and sleep

Target Audience

Nurses
Dieticians
Psychologists
Social Workers
Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Teachers/School-Based Personnel

Copyright : 03/03/2023

Trauma, Autism, and Adversity: Building Safety, Resilience, and Recovery

Explore how trauma and neurodivergence intersect and discover the unique risk and resilience factors that influence recovery, self-regulation, and adaptive functioning.

You’ll learn:

Trauma processing in autistic individuals: unique presentations, sensory challenges, and resilience-building strategies.
The role of nervous system sensitivity and masking in trauma vulnerability
Practical trauma-informed, neuro-affirming interventions—including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—to build safety, meaning, and resilience

Program Information

Objectives

Examine how trauma uniquely impacts sensory processing, self-regulation, and participation in daily occupations for autistic individuals.
Select polyvagal-informed and neuro-affirming strategies to support safety, emotional regulation, and engagement across therapeutic and everyday environments.
Integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other trauma-informed frameworks to promote resilience, autonomy, and meaningful occupational participation.

Outline

Understanding Trauma Through a Neurodivergent Lens

Overlap between trauma responses and autistic traits
Sensory dysregulation and dissociation as adaptive protection
The impact of chronic invalidation, masking, and social misunderstanding
Core risk and resilience factors unique to autistic clients

The Nervous System and Regulation Pathways

Polyvagal-informed understanding of autistic stress responses
Internal vs. external safety cues and misattuned environments
Body-based awareness and interoception in trauma recovery
Regulation foundations through sensory and movement supports

Therapeutic Frameworks for Healing and Growth

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for values, identity, and self-compassion
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) for self-acceptance and working through trauma-related blocks to self-compassion
Integration of neuro-affirming and trauma-informed principles across modalities
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Clinician Tools for Safety, Connection, and Empowerment

Creating predictable, low-demand therapeutic environments
Collaborative pacing and consent-based intervention planning
Language shifts that reduce shame and promote agency
Case illustrations highlighting post-traumatic growth in autistic clients

Target Audience

Social Workers
Counselors
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Addiction Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Behavioral Health Nurses
Psychiatrists
Other Mental Health and Rehab Professionals

Copyright : 05/07/2026

Connection, Communication, and Intimacy in Neurodiverse Couples Counseling

Discover neurodiversity-affirming frameworks and practical tools that help mixed-neurotype couples navigate sensory, communication, and relational differences to build stronger understanding, trust, and authentic connection.

Affirming approaches to sexuality, gender, and relationship diversity
Tools to enhance empathy, intimacy, and communication
Support strategies for nontraditional relationship structures
Frameworks that foster safety, shared language, and mutual regulation

Program Information

Objectives

Recognize how Neurodivergent individuals uniquely experience connection, intimacy, and communication in relationships, including the impact of sensory needs, anxiety, and special interests.
Identify inclusive frameworks and practical tools that enhance communication, intimacy, and mutual regulation in mixed-neurotype couples.
Evaluate why traditional couples therapy often fails Neurodiverse couples and apply alternative, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that address their specific relational needs.

Outline

Rethinking Autism, Gender, and Clinical Language

Distinctions between medical and social models of Autism and relevance in therapeutic contexts
Exclusion of high-masking clients in traditional diagnostic criteria, especially women, AFAB, and gender-diverse individuals
Inclusive terminology and evolving language of identity in affirming therapy
Risk/Limitations: Limitations of current diagnostic tools and risks of reinforcing masking

Intersectionality in Autism and Gender Identity

Research on co-occurrence of Autism and gender-diverse identities
Clinical pitfalls: misdiagnosis, invalidation, masking reinforcement
Gender-based relational themes: oversharing, mental rehearsals, object-based connection
Affirming strategies for integrating gender identity and Autism in care

Neurodivergent Relationship Structures and Intimacy

Nontraditional relational frameworks: queerplatonic partnerships, ethical non-monogamy, modified cohabitation
Sensory-based needs in intimacy: scripting, sensory accommodations, pacing
Autistic expressions of desire: asexuality, allosexuality, responsive desire
Client examples illustrating themes in neurodiverse relationships

Clinical Tools for Communication, Consent, and Connection

Scripting techniques, post-intimacy processing, communication scaffolding
Sensory tools: sensory scales, body-based self-awareness, aftercare plans
Substance use as sensory management with caution and nuance
Trauma-informed, affirming approaches to consent and connection
Risk/Limitations: Lack of inclusive research on Autistic sexuality; need for individualized care

Target Audience

Counselors 
Social Workers 
Marriage & Family Therapists 
Psychologists 
Case Managers 
Addiction Counselors 
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Copyright : 05/07/2026

Resistance, Resilience, and Autistic Joy: Guiding Clients Through Misinformation, Adversity, and Hope

This session helps you recognize the harm of false narratives, identify trustworthy information, and strengthen clients’ sense of agency, community, and joy in the face of adversity.

You’ll learn:

Common myths and misinformation about autism and their emotional impact
Reliable, evidence-based sources for client psychoeducation and advocacy
Effects of social and political climates on autistic mental health
Strategies to foster resilience, identity pride, and authentic joy amid a volatile sociopolitical climate

Program Information

Objectives

Identify common myths and misinformation about autism and their emotional impact on autistic clients.
Summarize reliable, evidence-based sources for client psychoeducation and advocacy.
Interpret strategies that foster resilience, identity pride, and joy in autistic clients amid sociocultural adversity.

Outline

Understanding the Landscape of Misinformation

Prevailing myths, stereotypes, and emerging misinformation trends
Psychological effects of stigma and fear on autistic clients
Guidance on identifying and sharing credible, evidence-based resources
Ethical considerations in correcting misinformation in therapy

Sociocultural and Political Influences on Mental Health

Impact of policy shifts, rhetoric, and social polarization
Systemic bias and its effects on access, safety, and self-advocacy
Intersections of autism, identity, and disability rights
Frameworks for supporting client empowerment and informed decision-making

Strengthening Resilience and Community Connection

Community and peer support as protective factors
Historical roots of disability and neurodiversity movements
Cultivating belonging, validation, and hope through narrative work
Limitations of the research and potential risks
Case examples of client-centered resilience building

Protecting and Cultivating Autistic Joy

Joy as resistance and a tool for healing
Supporting clients in rediscovering pleasure, play, and creativity
Integrating strength-based interventions into ongoing treatment
Group discussion and reflective practice for clinicians

Target Audience

Counselors 
Social Workers 
Marriage & Family Therapists 
Psychologists 
Case Managers 
Addiction Counselors 
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Therapeutic Role-Playing for Autistic Clients: Tabletop Games to Support Unmasking, Identity, and Social Growth

Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons have evolved into powerful therapeutic tools for identity, communication, and connection. This interactive session shows how collaborative storytelling and character play can foster emotional expression and authentic social engagement.

You’ll learn:

How TTRPGs build regulation, problem-solving, and communication skills
Ways to create affirming spaces for unmasking and identity exploration
Methods for translating in-game learning into real-world growth
Simple structure and safety tools for therapists new to gaming

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate key elements of tabletop role-playing games that support emotional regulation, communication, and social connection in autistic clients.
Integrate narrative, safety, and accessibility frameworks to create affirming and therapeutic role-playing experiences.
Evaluate methods for translating in-game insights into real-world skill development and self-expression.

Outline

Foundations of Therapeutic Role-Playing

Core elements of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) in clinical settings
Alignment between collaborative storytelling and neuro-affirming practice
Benefits for autistic clients: regulation, connection, and perspective development
Myths and misconceptions about gaming in therapy
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Structure, Safety, and Accessibility

Session setup and environment considerations
Character creation and world-building as tools for choice and identity
Safety systems and consent mechanics for emotional protection
Inclusive adaptations for communication, sensory, and cognitive differences

Therapeutic Frameworks and In-Game Applications

Narrative arcs reflecting real-world challenges and growth
Role differentiation, teamwork, and emotional expression through story
DBT, CBT, and social-learning principles integrated with gameplay
Examples of group and individual play formats

Translation to Real-World Change

Reflection and debriefing models for generalizing skills
Collaboration with families, teachers, or care teams
Identity and social confidence beyond the gaming table

Target Audience

Counselors 
Social Workers 
Marriage & Family Therapists 
Psychologists 
Case Managers 
Addiction Counselors 
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Race, Identity, and Regulation: Adapting DBT and EMDR for Autistic Clients of Color

Autistic individuals of color experience the compounded impact of racism, ableism, and systemic bias—shaping how they are perceived, diagnosed, and supported. This session explores how cultural identity and neurodivergence intersect in clinical care and offers concrete ways to adapt DBT and EMDR within culturally responsive frameworks.

You’ll learn:

How racial bias and inequities influence autism identification and treatment access
Adapted DBT and EMDR strategies that align with cultural values and communication styles
Approaches for addressing masking, code-switching, and identity stress
Tools for building trust and empowerment through culturally humble partnership

This course is not affiliated with EMDRIA and does not qualify toward EMDRIA credits or training.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate how intersecting racial and neurodivergent identities influence diagnosis, engagement, and access to mental health care.
Integrate culturally adapted DBT and EMDR strategies that honor communication styles, values, and lived experiences of autistic clients of color.
Evaluate intersectional, neuro-affirming approaches that enhance regulation, authenticity, and therapeutic trust.

Outline

Understanding Intersectionality in Autism Care

Effects of racism, ableism, and diagnostic bias
Barriers to culturally and linguistically relevant assessment
Variations in emotional expression and communication norms
Limitations of the research and potential risks
Group discussion: clinician self-reflection on implicit bias

Culturally Adapted DBT Strategies

Mindfulness and distress tolerance through cultural lenses
Emotion regulation with community, spirituality, and family contexts
Visual, narrative, and sensory modifications for accessibility
Practice: adapting DBT skills to real client scenarios

EMDR for Racialized and Neurodivergent Trauma

Recognizing intersectional trauma and racialized stress responses
Cultural adaptation of EMDR phases and resourcing strategies
Safety, pacing, and language considerations in processing
Case vignette and participant reflection

Integration and Systems-Level Change

Empowerment frameworks for clients, families, and communities
Multicultural collaboration across school and healthcare systems
Ethical reflection on advocacy and representation in treatment

Target Audience

Counselors 
Social Workers 
Marriage & Family Therapists 
Psychologists 
Case Managers 
Addiction Counselors 
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic therapy offers a compassionate path to reconnect with the body and foster sensory awareness as well as interpretations of the nervous system and embodied emotions through images and movements—celebrating identity, regulation, well-being, and agency from within.

You’ll learn:

Sensory, image interpretation, and externalized movement for somatic tracking without overload
Recognition of dissociation, shutdown, and sensory flooding patterns
Body-based tools that build awareness, communication, and regulation
Guided practices and case demonstrations for applied learning

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate patterns of sensory overload, dissociation, and bodily shutdown commonly experienced by autistic clients.
Integrate somatic tracking, pacing, and movement-based strategies to support regulation and embodied awareness.
Evaluate how sensory-based interventions can enhance communication, self-awareness, and therapeutic connection across the neurodiversity spectrum.

Outline

Foundations of Somatic Work with Autistic Clients

Sensory and interoceptive diversity across the autism spectrum
Regulation through predictability, pacing, and consent
Creating sensory-safe spaces for embodied exploration
Matching communication style and tempo to autonomic state

Building Body Awareness Safely

Somatic tracking and pacing for tolerance of internal cues
Use of movement micro-doses and “dual awareness” anchors
Grounding tools for sensory overwhelm and dissociation
Client-directed choice in awareness of sensation (increase or decrease)
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Movement, Imagery, and Co-Regulation Techniques

Movement metaphors for agency, safety, and self-expression
Image-based body mapping and symbolic gestures
Co-regulation through mirroring and rhythm-based interaction
Adaptations for non-speaking or minimally verbal clients

Integration and Application in Practice

Translating somatic strategies into daily life and routines
Collaboration with caregivers and interdisciplinary teams
Ethical and sensory-informed boundaries in body-based work
Case discussions, clinical video examples, and group practice

Target Audience

Counselors 
Social Workers 
Marriage & Family Therapists 
Psychologists 
Case Managers 
Addiction Counselors 
Occupational Therapists
Other Mental Health Professionals