An introduction to neurodiversity affirming practice for mental health professionals, delivered by a multiply neurodivergent occupational therapist.

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 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.

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 will be emailed to you ahead of time so you can choose to print it 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 handout 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.

Details about the space:

Golden Bay Community Services Hall is located within Mohua Social Services (red building). There is a ramped entrance through the front door, gender neutral toilets and access to a kitchen and microwave. The hall is carpeted and there is a sliding door to the outside (with a step) if you need to slip out for some fresh air for any reason. I am hoping we will have enough natural light to not need the overhead fluros on. I will set up a couple of trestle tables with chairs. There are a couple of beanbags, one comfy armchair and a couch as well.

Registration

Cost: $50 ($30 concession available)

Please pre-register for the event here

You can let me know about any access or support needs or ask questions by email: rebecca@chronicresilienceot.com