Neuroqueer Complexities II:

Practical strategies for working with LGBTQIA+ autistic and ADHD youth and adults

Live zoom training with Finn Gratton (they/them) & Alyssa Fenix (she/they)

June 2nd, 2023 10:00am-1:15 pm EST

Many people feel unprepared to work with neurodivergent clients because neurodiversity-affirming practices were rarely presented in graduate training. We invited providers committed to neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ affirming work to join us in this interactive training to identify concrete strategies for helping neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ youth and adult clients in living lives that are satisfying and pleasurable based on their own desires and needs. This workshop covered effective ways to develop a therapeutic relationship across neurocognitive and other intersectional differences, and for neurodivergent clinicians to care for themselves while they care for their clients. Participants in this training should have had previous, basic understanding of autism and ADHD, as well as trans and non-binary experiences.

Attendance at Neuroqueer Complexities I (10/14/2022) was not a requirement. Participants in this training should have a basic understanding of autism and ADHD, as well as trans and non-binary experiences.

This program was approved for 3 continuing education contact hours by the NASW, and by MaMHCA (mental health counselors licensed in MA, only).

About the Presenters:

Finn Gratton (they/them), LMFT, LPCC, is a somatic psychotherapist and consultant working in the San Francisco Bay Area. Finn’s work is focused on the intersections of somatics, trauma, neurodiversity, and sexual and gender minorities. They are the author of Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults: A Guide for Professionals and Families. In addition to their private practice work with adults and teens, Finn provides neurodiversity-affirming consultation and trainings to groups and individuals in the U.S. and internationally. Finn identifies as white, autistic and non-binary.

Alyssa Fenix is a black queer neurodivergent Diversity Practitioner and owner of Fenix Outspoken. She is an artist, and founder of the ""If I Knew Then Letters Collection"" a letter writing campaign that bridges the timeless experiences of LGBTQ+ adults with LGBTQ+ youth through letter writing and storytelling. With over 13 years as a certified educator in Maryland, Alyssa uses her personal and professional experience working in education and mental health settings to provide a quality framework for clinicians and educators in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults with disabilities through professional development training, Policy/Climate revisions, and coaching and consultation services. She provides a variety of professional development and training opportunities to health systems, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations about Creating Safe and Supportive spaces and practices for marginalized communities. Alyssa also serves as an Executive Function Coach who uses Neurodiversity Affirming Practices as a means of helping neurodivergent clients and their families as they navigate identity and independence as they transition from school to adult hood.