What the Function? Understanding Behaviour in Context when Working with Neurodivergent Adults

Join the Southern California Chapter of ACBS for a presentation on What the Function? Understanding Behaviour in Context when Working with Neurodivergent Adults! 

EVENT DETAILS

Autistic and ADHDer adults have higher rates of trauma, mental health problems, and chronic illness. As a result, large numbers of diagnosed and undiagnosed neurodivergent adults are presenting in therapy, often having accumulated several misdiagnoses before their neurodivergence is identified. Functional analysis allows you to identify behaviours that serve important functions for the individual, and those that are a valid expression of Autistic and ADHDer preferences.

In this interactive workshop, you will explore the functions of ‘clinical’ behaviours in context, and how to adjust your approach to create positive change in a neurodiversity-affirming way. The workshop will close with a concise framework for contextually sensitive therapy that can help your clients build self-compassion, self-acceptance, and pride in their neurodivergent identity.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

1.     Describe the contextual factors that influence behavior in Autistic and ADHDer adolescents and adults, including neurobiology, trauma, intersectionality, and minority stress, and recognize the impact this has on well-being in their neurodivergent clients

2.     Apply functional analysis to identify the underlying functions of "clinical" behaviors in neurodivergent clients and use this to guide their therapeutic approach

3.     Deliver therapy that is neurodiversity-affirming; creating a therapeutic environment that is supportive, accepting, and affirming of neurodivergent identities