Abstract
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 for therapy, often having accumulated several misdiagnoses before their neurodivergence is identified.
Functional analysis is a therapeutic process that allows mental health professionals to identify behaviors that serve important functions for these individuals, distinguishing behaviors that might be the focus of intervention from those that are a valid expression of Autistic and ADHDer needs and differences.
This interactive workshop will open with the foundations of neurodiversity-affirming practice, including the use of affirming language. Participants will then explore the functions of behavior in Autistic people and ADHDers in context, including neurobiological differences, intersectionality and minority stress. Together these approaches provide an affirming framework that can guide attendees to adjust their approach and facilitate positive change in a neurodiversity-affirming way.
Learning objectives
On completing this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe the foundations of neurodiversity-affirming practice and how to create a therapeutic environment that is supportive, accepting, and affirming of neurodivergent identities
- Describe important contextual factors that underpin behavior in Autistic and ADHDer adolescents and adults, and recognize the impact this has on mental health, physical health, quality of life and goal attainment
- Describe how functional analysis can be used to identify the underlying functions of behaviors in neurodivergent clients by exploring behavior in context
Duration - 1.5 hours including discussion
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqd-iuqzkrH9QTSH0a7hTcEHGEBCW7Z0rV
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Jennifer Kemp is a clinical psychologist based in Adelaide, Australia. Her neurodiversity-affirming approach is founded on her own experience of being late-diagnosed as Autistic and an ADHDer, listening deeply to the experiences of her neurodivergent clients and the latest research findings. In her therapeutic practice and when training other therapists, Jennifer recognizes and accepts the unique differences and strengths of people with different neurotypes. Building on the social and human rights models of disability, Jennifer weaves together acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with compassion-focused approaches to help her clients improve their mental health and develop greater self-acceptance, self-compassion, and pride in their neurodivergent identity.
Jennifer is the co-author of “The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate” and author of “The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: Build Your Best (Imperfect) Life Using Powerful Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Self-Compassion Skills.”