Neuroaffirming ACT for ADHD and Autism
2-Day Intensive Workshop with Dr. Russ Harris
Canadian Tour 2026 | Institut de Psychologie Contextuel
Dates and Locations
Montreal: June 9-10, 2026 — Societe des Arts Technologiques (SAT)
Toronto: June 15-16, 2026 — Residence & Conference Centre, Toronto Downtown
Vancouver: June 29-30, 2026 — Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown Hotel
Registration & Pricing
Early Bird Rate: $595 CAD (until March 31, 2026)
Regular Rate: $695 CAD
Student Rate: $495 CAD (proof of enrollment required)
Group Rate: From 5 participants — contact [email protected]
Registration: russharriscanada.com
Workshop Overview
Do you work with clients who have ADHD or Autism and want to go beyond standardized protocols to offer therapy that is truly adapted to their unique neurology? This advanced-level workshop, led by Dr. Russ Harris, blends live clinical demonstrations, role-plays, and experiential exercises. The goal is not to learn ready-made techniques, but to develop the therapeutic flexibility to work effectively with each individual in all their uniqueness.
At least 10% of the population meets criteria for ADHD, Autism, or both. These neurotypes frequently co-occur with trauma, depression, and anxiety disorders. With its modular structure and easily adaptable core processes, ACT is uniquely positioned for this population — provided it is delivered from a genuinely affirming stance. This workshop will give you exactly that.
Learning Outcomes
Adopt a neuroaffirming clinical stance and adapt your communication accordingly
Modify and individualize ACT interventions for each neurodivergent profile
Support executive functioning: organization, task inertia, cognitive flexibility
Develop emotional regulation and interoceptive awareness
Create accessible mindfulness practices for clients who resist traditional meditation
Foster self-acceptance and mobilize neurodivergent strengths, including hyperfocus
Recognize and address neurodivergent burnout
Conduct precise functional analysis of neurodivergence-related behaviors
Workshop Content
Part 1 — Introduction: Neurobiology, Neurodivergent Culture & Neuroaffirming Therapy
Neurobiology of ADHD and Autism: executive functioning, sensory profiles, emotional regulation
Masking, burnout, internalized ableism, and self-advocacy
Principles of neuroaffirming therapy
Part 2 — Practical Skills for Supporting Neurodivergent Clients
Scaffolding executive functions
Emotional regulation, neuroaffirming body work, and somatosensory awareness
Flexible and accessible mindfulness practices
Neurodivergent strengths and hyperfocus as a resource
Self-acceptance, self-compassion, and positive identity
Neurodivergent burnout: signs, risk factors, energy management, and recovery
Safe and progressive unmasking
Rejection sensitivity and building supportive relationships
Part 3 — Adapting ACT Interventions to Neurodivergent Needs
Neuroaffirming language and communication adaptations
Sensory accommodations and specific adjustments
Targeted interventions: distractibility, impulsivity, sensory overload, masking
Functional analysis of challenging behaviors (meltdowns, doom-scrolling, etc.)
Tailoring interventions — every neurodivergent client is unique
About the Presenter — Dr. Russ Harris
Physician, psychotherapist, and one of the world's most recognized ACT trainers, Russ Harris is the author of The Happiness Trap, an international bestseller with over one million copies sold and translated into more than thirty languages, and ACT Made Simple, the go-to clinical guide for professionals. He has trained more than 90,000 health professionals worldwide. In 2015, he developed an ACT protocol for the World Health Organization, deployed in refugee camps and validated by three randomized controlled trials. Russ himself has ADHD — which deeply informs his understanding and empathy toward neurodivergent individuals.
Prerequisites
This is an advanced-level workshop. Prior foundational ACT training is required. One of the following is recommended:
A 2-day introductory ACT workshop (with any accredited ACT trainer)
ACT for Beginners by Russ Harris (6-week online course)
Working through an introductory ACT manual: ACT Made Simple or Learning ACT
Important note: This workshop does not cover diagnosis or assessment. It focuses exclusively on practical interventions — tools, techniques, principles, and strategies — applicable with any client, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis.
Who Should Attend
Any health and allied health professional who works with or wishes to work with neurodivergent individuals: psychologists, social workers, counsellors, therapists, coaches, BCBAs, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, family physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and dietitians. Content is focused on adults but is easily adaptable to adolescents.
Materials Included
Research articles on ACT with Autism and ADHD
Worksheets and clinical materials for direct use with clients
Scripts for experiential exercises
E-books on key workshop themes
Professional audio recordings of core exercises
Certificate of participation (14 hours of training)
Contact & Registration
Registration website: russharriscanada.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (438) 375-4869
Organizer: Institut de Psychologie Contextuel | contextpsy.com