Embracing Neurodiversity           

Embracing Neurodiversity (101) is a six week study group course. Each group session meets for ninety minutes. This course explores relational models of working with neurodiversity within family systems. Topics include: defining neurodiversity from historical, systemic, diagnostic (DSM V), and personal perspectives. This course presents autism through disability and ability models of human diversity. Family systems perspectives include siblings, parents, generational influences, and the impact of larger sociocultural influences. Each session includes content presentation, case examples, and group discussion.

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be better able to:

1. Participants will understand the historical development of norms in relation to disability frameworks and DSM V criteria for neurodevelopmental diagnoses. 

2. Participants will be introduced to Bronfenbrenarian perspectives that inform understanding of sociocultural attitudes, behaviors, and expectations of and for neurodivergent individuals over the lifespan.

3. Participants will understand and explore relational attitudes of neurodiversity from differing viewpoints based on strength-based ability and disability models, considering the neurodivergent individual as central to the discussion.

Sessions:
September 20, 2023 — Introduction
October 4, 2023 — Neurodiversity and the Family Interview
October 18, 2023 — The DSM V Standards for Diagnosis and Treatment
November 1, 2023 – Unique Profiles and Working with the Adolescent and Adult
November 15, 2023 — Regulation and Co-Regulation
November 29, 2023 — Developmental Perspectives: Bronfenbrenner and Putting it All Together

Andra Munger, PhD, LMFT has spent over 30 years as a certified teacher, DIR/Floortime provider and developmental learning specialist. She taught children aged 6-18 in Waldorf schools and professionals at Fielding University and ICDL. The focus of her teaching was on child-centered approaches to supporting the visual spatial and problem solving capacities of children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Andra is currently clinical supervisor at CHD in Western Mass. She provides developmental learning support to individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges at the Interactive Learning Center. As an LMFT, Andra sees clients at Concord, Couple & Family Practice where she  specializes in working with couples, children, individuals, and families who experience systemic trauma associated with their neurological, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

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This activity is certified by the New England Association for Family and Systemic Therapy (NEAFAST) on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LMFT professional continuing education.

This activity is pending certification by the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter for LCSW and LICSW professional continuing education.

This activity can be retroactively approved for CEs for Massachusetts LMHCs. Learn more at https://www.mamhca.org/page-18363.

Please note: It is the participant’s responsibility to check with their individual state boards to verify CE requirements for their state.

This program is being offered independent of any commercial support or conflict of interest. Clinicians with any level of experience are welcome to participate.

Accessibility Statement: Participants will receive access to the Zoom link after signing up for the conference. Closed captioning can be provided through request.

Cancellation Policy: Please email us at [email protected] if you are unable to make it. We will give a full reimbursement for cancels prior to August 20, 2023.