Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy Practices for Adolescents & Adults

Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy Practices for Adolescents & Adults

Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS

Description: Neurodiversity is a paradigm through which clinicians can understand and value the variety of human experiences based on neurobiological differences. The movement to acknowledge and serve neurodiversity and the neurodivergent (ADHD, autistic, learning disabilities, and more) has gained much traction in recent years and is an area clinicians can learn from to remain current in their practice and advocacy efforts. And yet, there is still much that practitioners can learn from the community to create autistic and neurodiverse-affirming clinical experiences for the clients we serve. 

In this session, the presenter will explore the latest techniques for improving treatment outcomes for neurodivergent and autistic adolescents & adults, managing expectations during the progression of treatment, and advocacy strategies that promote autistic-affirming clinical spaces. Overall, we aim to enhance the understanding of current and evolving best practices to include autistic people's voices as collaborators in our approach to treatment. This talk will highlight important pillars of affirming care for neurodivergent clients so that practitioners can remain culturally competent and on the cutting-edge when working alongside this population.

Learning Objectives:

CEU Workshop Agenda

11:00 am Registration and networking
11:30 am Self-introductions
Noon Presentation starts 
12:45 pm Lunch and networking
1:15 pm Presentation continues
2:15 pm Workshop ends

2.0 General CEU Hours

Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS has worked in higher education and mental health settings for the last 18 years. She is the Program Director & an Associate Professor in the CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Prior to academia, she worked at Florida Atlantic University as the Assistant Director for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) where she provided individual, couples, and family direct support and consultative services to the community. Currently, she provides individual counseling for adolescents and adults at the Center for the Treatment of Anxiety & Mood Disorders. Cunningham has presented on and published a book, book chapters and academic articles related to various topics including autism treatment & advocacy, mental health first aid, counselor career preparation, and on advocacy for BIPOC, queer & trans communities.

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