Supporting neurodivergent children and youth: Improving access and treatment outcomes in mental health, educational and residential settings

Individuals experiencing neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum and attention hyperactivity disorder, are more likely to struggle with their mental health and be diagnosed with comorbid psychiatric conditions.

This training will explore techniques for supporting children, youth and their families who are neurodivergent and have experienced barriers in accessing support and experiencing positive outcomes in mental health, educational and residential settings. Gain the foundation to supplement psychotherapeutic treatment modalities with behavioural learning principles. Help children, youth and their families move from talk to action. Participants will explore cognitive and behavioural challenges that interfere with their goals.

Learning objectives:

• Explore diversity, complexities, and comorbidities within neurodivergent populations such as ASD and ADHD
• Acquire practical strategies to help clients use what they learn in therapy to improve their daily lives
• Understand applications for functional behaviour assessment to address behaviours that interfere with individuals’ goals and positive outcomes
• Acquire practical strategies to affirm, engage and accommodate children with learning differences such as ADHD, LD and ASD during therapy sessions
• Learn strategies to interact mindfully and regulate their own emotions and responses when supporting challenging and complex clients