07/11/26 – Neurodiversity and Trauma: How to Become a Wise Neurodiversity Practitioner Christiane Sanderson

Neurodiversity and Trauma

There has been a significant increase in adults seeking assessment for previously undiagnosed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism). Many of these adults have  faced a numerous challenges  and associated mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, shame, isolation and loneliness without realising that these may be linked to neurodivergence.  Currently the waiting list in the UK for adults to access assessment or diagnosis for ADHD or ASD  through the NHS is between three to seven years, while the waiting list for a private assessment is six months to one year.

Many clients enter therapy without realising that the challenges and struggles they face may be linked to ADHD or Autism.  In addition, practitioners often lack specific training  or awareness of how neurodivergent clients may present in the therapeutic process. As a result, they may confine  their focus on overt presenting symptoms  and easily identifiable mental health conditions without taking into consideration any potential neurodivergence.  This is exacerbated if there is  an overlap with other conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or  Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder  (C-PTSD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Clinical Depression or Anxiety,  or where clients experience  dual or multiple neurodivergent challenges. Given the increased awareness of neurodivergence and its link to mental health, it is critical that practitioners feel equipped to work with clients who present with mental conditions associated with neurodivergence and respond sensitively to clients who are not aware of their neurodiverse traits or are  undiagnosed

This training day aims to enhance awareness of neurodiversity and the strengths of neurodivergent individuals to gain a deeper understanding of how to work with neurodiverse adults. It aims to unravel common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with neurodivergence  and explore the myriad challenges faced by undiagnosed and misdiagnosed adults and how these are linked to a range of mental health co-morbidities such as trauma symptoms, anxiety, mood disorders, depression, shame, self-medication, isolation, and loneliness. In focusing on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in adults, this training will resource participants with the skills to identify the underlying traits and signs of ADHD and ASC, how these are masked through a range of neurotypical behaviours and how these overlap with trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) symptoms.

Emphasis will be placed on resourcing practitioners to feel more confident when working with clients who present with a range of mental health challenges alongside neurodivergence. Practitioners will be invited to consider a number of  therapeutic approaches  such as  Neurodivergent Affirmative Practice, Trauma-Informed Practice and Compassion-Focused Therapy which can be incorporated  into their preferred modality  to foster self-compassion,  reduce shame and manage the traumatic effects of stigma and marginalisation.

Learning Objectives

• Understanding Neurodiversity in Adults -specifically  Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in adults.
• Identify Challenges Faced by Undiagnosed/ Misdiagnosed Adults including Long-term impact on mental health: anxiety, depression, shame, isolation, and loneliness.
• Prevalence and Recognition of ADHD and ASC in Adults: 
• How to recognise  underlying ADHD/ASC  traits  and challenges, and how these are often masked by neurotypical behaviours
• Understanding overlapping symptoms with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, self-medication, PTSD, and Complex PTSD.
• How to work with neurodivergent clients and incorporating Compassion-Focused Therapy, and develop Neurodivergent- Affirmative Practice into their preferred therapeutic modality
• How to create Neurodivergent-Friendly Spaces to accommodate diverse needs.
• How to resource and empower neurodivergent clients to move towards acceptance and embrace their neurodivergence.
• Development of Practical Skills to enhance practitioner skills in working with neurodivergent clients such as  case and group discussion to share best practice