Traditional care models often focus on managing or “fixing” autistic individuals. This introductory course offers a different starting point: trauma-informed care, and respect for client autonomy.

Designed for providers who are new to neurodiversity-affirming practice, this course explores the foundational concepts needed to support Autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, dyslexic, and otherwise neurodivergent clients.
You will learn how the medical model has shaped common assumptions about behavior, why many neurodivergent people experience care settings as unsafe, and what practical, everyday changes can make your practice more accessible and affirming.

No prior coursework in neurodiversity is required. This course is intended as a first step and will give you a strong foundation for continuing growth.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this introductory course, participants will be able to:

1. Define neurodiversity, neurodivergence, and disability using the social model of disability.

2. Describe common experiences of Autism, ADHD, AuDHD, and co-occurring neurodivergent profiles.

3. Recognize masking, autistic burnout, sensory overload, and trauma responses in care settings.

4. Identify common ableist assumptions and compliance-based practices that can harm neurodivergent clients.

5. Apply introductory affirming strategies for communication, sensory access, consent, and autonomy.

6. Reflect on personal biases and begin developing a plan for more affirming practice in their own setting.

    

   Who This Course Is For

   • Mental health professionals and trainees

   • Medical and allied health professionals

   • Occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists

   • Educators and school support staff

   • Direct support professionals and caregivers

   • Anyone in a caregiving role who wants a foundational understanding of neurodiversity-affirming practice