Neurodiversity Affirming & Strengths-Based Practices for Community Service Providers

1.5-Hour Self-Paced Professional Development Workshop Presented by Mary Klovance, MA, RCC, ADHD-CCSP, ADHD-CE Upon completion, participants receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing 1.5 hours of professional development in the are of neurodiversity-affirming practice. This workshop is ideal for professionals who want to better understand their neurodivergent clients and provide more responsive, practical, and affirming support within their practice. This Neurodiversity affirming training for social workers, counsellors, therapists, youth and family workers, and other community service providers, this workshop provides practical, strengths-based approaches for better supporting neurodivergent individuals and families. Moving beyond basic awareness of neurodiversity, participants will explore what neurodiversity-affirming practice looks like in action. The workshop builds understanding of the neurodivergent experience while examining how traditional expectations, environments, and helping approaches can unintentionally create barriers for neurodivergent clients. Participants will learn practical strategies they can immediately incorporate into their work, including adapting communication, expectations, environments, and interventions to better meet individual needs. Topics include: * Understanding neurodivergence through an affirming, strengths-based lens * Common experiences, strengths, needs, and barriers for neurodivergent individuals * Supporting emotional and nervous system regulation * Adapting communication and service delivery * Recognizing sensory and environmental needs * Helping clients identify strengths, needs, and accommodations * Building self-advocacy and communication skills * Teaching practical strategies for navigating neurotypical environments while reducing pressure to mask * Supporting neurodivergent individuals and families across community settings