Image description: event banner for ‘An Introduction to Neurodiversity Affirming Practice for Mental Health Professionals’, blue and black text on a light blue background. Cartoonish images in each corner: 2 people in a hot air balloon, a person with a magnifying glass standing on a book, 3 people sitting together, a person at the top of 3 ladders.
An introduction to neurodiversity affirming practice for mental health professionals, delivered by a multiply neurodivergent occupational therapist.
In this workshop we will cover:
Core principles of neurodiversity affirming practice
The overlaps of neurodiversity affirming practice with recovery-oriented practice and trauma informed care principles
Useful definitions
Medical and social models of disability
Co-occurring conditions
Sensory processing
Communication and the double empathy problem
Lived experience feedback
Support and accommodations, including universal design
Action steps and changes to practice
I will use as many practical examples as possible with the aim of you having things you can take back to your workplace/life to start creating change.
This is a big and complex area of practice and this presentation can only cover so many topics. Future presentations will look at diving deeper into some of these areas.
Although the content has been created with mental health professionals in mind, it is applicable to anyone who works with people generally, those who support neurodivergent people, and/or those wanting more information for themselves.
Supporting each other:
Please bring something to write with and something to write on, as well as other supports for yourself e.g. water, snacks, fidgets, a footstool etc.
You are welcome to do things that support your learning, e.g. use fidgets, sit on the floor, stretch, etc.
If you don’t want to ask a question out loud, you are welcome to write it down and pass it to me.
To support my focus and sensory sensitivities please don’t use noisy fidgets, wear strong perfume or eat noisy snacks during the presentation.
We will aim for a 10 minute break after each 55 minutes for you to move around
Please respect different people’s lived experience and identities. Everyone will be at a different point in their learning.
The handout and slides are available in the Google drive, so you can choose to print them out. You are welcome to use a device during the presentation to take notes, just please make sure it is on silent. I will put a copy of the slides up on a projector screen.
The presentation will not be recorded and please do not take personal audio or video recordings of the content.
There will be some practical activities and discussion. It is ok to work alone and to use different methods of communication to contribute to discussion.
Please maintain confidentiality and respect privacy when sharing examples and do not use any identifying details.
Please do not attend if you are unwell.
Details about the space:
Room HG.02 is a room at the Wintec Hamilton Gardens Campus, entry through Gate 2 off Cobham Drive. Parking is available and accessible through Gate 2 off Cobham Drive at the top and bottom of the hill. Once parked you enter the site over a walk bridge, when looking at the map the classroom is to the right. See campus map and photo below.
There is a sink and hot water urn available, please bring your own mug. I will provide some snacks. I will make use of a projector and screen and position the tables and chairs on the day. I will arrive about an hour early to set up the room and familiarise myself with the space.
Registration
When: Sunday 27th October, 12-4:30pm
Where: Room HG.02, Wintec Hamilton Gardens Campus, Gate 2, Cobham Drive, Hamilton
Cost: $180 full/$110 concession
Some full or partial scholarship places may be available, please email me to request.
Please pre-register for the event here. Places are limited, bookings essential.
Shareable pdf flyer available here
You can let me know about any access or support needs or ask questions by email: rebecca@chronicresilienceot.com