Embracing Neurodiversity

Fridays Monthly, October 7, 2022–March 10, 2023; 10-11:30am ET
9 CEs | Live on Zoom
Instructor: Andra Munger, PhD, LMFT
Cost: $225 for Non-Members; $175 for Members; $90 for Student and Agency Members

Embracing Neurodiversity is a six week study group, with each group meeting for 90 minutes, that trains therapists on how to work with neurodiversity in family systems. Topics include: neurodevelopment and the exploration of the DSM V; developmental perspectives; neurodiversity and sexuality; a systemic exploration of neurodiversity; working within schools and beyond; and relational therapeutic interventions.

This course explores historical and current systemic frameworks that inform understanding of autism through both disability and ability models of human diversity. We will discuss autism from sociocultural, developmental, clinical, and autistic self-advocacy perspectives. This course highlights perspectives on the relational and systemic needs of individuals over the lifespan who identify as and/or have a neurodevelopmental diagnosis (DSM V) of autism. Each session has a power point presentation and invites participants to discuss content with examples from their own clinical practice.

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be better able to:

1. Explain the historical development of norms in relation to disability frameworks and DSM V criteria for neurodevelopmental diagnoses.
2. Describe Bronfenbrenarian perspectives that inform understanding of sociocultural attitudes, behaviors, and expectations of and for neurodivergent individuals over the lifespan.
3. Assess relational attitudes of neurodiversity from differing viewpoints based on strength-based ability and disability models, considering the neurodivergent individual as central to the discussion.

Sessions:
October 7, 2022 — Neurodevelopment (Exploring the DSM V)
November 11, 2022 — Developmental Perspectives (Bronfenbrenner)
December 9, 2022 — Neurodiversity and Sexuality (Chronological Development)
January 13, 2023 – Systems Explored (Diagnoses vs Individuals)
February 10, 2023 — Working Within Schools and Beyond (Advocacy Within Systems)
March 10, 2023 — Relational Therapeutic Interventions (Resources)

Andra Munger, PhD, LMFT has spent over 30 years as a certified teacher, DIR/Floortime provider and developmental learning specialist. She taught children aged 6-18 in Waldorf schools and professionals at Fielding University and ICDL. The focus of her teaching was on child-centered approaches to supporting the visual spatial and problem solving capacities of children with neurodevelopmental challenges. Andra is currently clinical supervisor at CHD in Western Mass. She provides developmental learning support to individuals with neurodevelopmental challenges at the Interactive Learning Center. As an LMFT, Andra sees clients at Concord, Couple & Family Practice where she  specializes in working with couples, children, individuals, and families who experience systemic trauma associated with their neurological, emotional, and behavioral challenges.

Register Here

This activity is certified by the New England Association for Family and Systemic Therapy (NEAFAST) on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions for LMFT professional continuing education.

This activity is pending certification by the National Association of Social Workers Massachusetts Chapter for LICSW professional continuing education.

This activity is pending certification by the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. for LMHC professional continuing education.

Please note: It is the participant’s responsibility to check with their individual state boards to verify CE requirements for their state.

This program is being offered independent of any commercial support or conflict of interest. Clinicians with any level of experience are welcome to participate.

Accessibility Statement: Participants will receive access to the Zoom link after signing up for the conference. Closed captioning can be provided through request.