This session will explore the neurodiversity movement and neurodiversity affirming strategies to support children and adolescents. The session will start with an introduction to the neurodiversity movement, its importance in today's society, prevalence rates for autism and ADHD, and reasons for increased prevalence (i.e. improved clinician training). The session will then introduce neurodiversity affirming strategies to address specific needs children and adolescents may present with. These strategies include 5 core areas: communication, sensory-based, executive functioning, repetitive behavior, and special interest strategies. These strategies focus on supporting and empowering neurodivergent individuals using their unique needs and strengths. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the session and additional resources will also be available.

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Objectives:

• Understand the Neurodiversity Movement: Participants will be able to define the neurodiversity movement and explain its importance in promoting inclusive perspectives. 

• Recognize Current Trends in Neurodiversity: Participants will be able to identify current statistics on autism and ADHD prevalence among children and adolescents, and understand factors contributing to increased identification rates. 

• Apply Neurodiversity-Affirming Strategies: Participants will learn and be able to apply specific strategies to support neurodivergent individuals, including communication, sensory-based, executive functioning, repetitive behavior, and special interest strategies.