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Empowering Neurodivergence: Affirming Approaches to Promote Wellbeing and Belonging for Autistic Students
Level: Beginner to Advanced
For: Parents, caregivers, family members, Autistic youth and adults, and professionals
Autism Specific?: Yes
CART Captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided.
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Empowering Neurodivergence: Affirming Approaches to Promote Wellbeing and Belonging for Autistic Students
Thursday, February 27 & Friday, February 28, 2025
Presented by Heather Brown, PhD; Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts, PhD & Nat Raedwulf Pogue
Vancouver, B.C. & Web streaming live
Research practitioners and Autistic individuals will demonstrate the importance of learning neuro-affirming educational practices. Gain insights and practical skills in creating inclusive environments that support neurodivergent students and become a stronger ally and advocate for the Autistic Community.
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Event Details
Join us for a transformative two-day workshop on neuro-affirming educational practices, presented by Dr. Heather Brown and Dr. Sandy Thompson-Hodgetts in collaboration with Nat Raedwulf Pogue.
This course aims to change how we see and interact with autism, moving from a deficit-focused view to one that values autism as a unique and important part of human diversity. We aim to celebrate the unique strengths of autistic individuals while recognizing and addressing the challenges they face.
Drs. Brown and Thompson-Hodgetts will guide educators, support staff, clinicians, and families in becoming active allies for the autistic community. Through engaging discussions and hands-on activities, participants will learn how to create inclusive environments that support neurodivergent individuals.
Our goal is to deepen understanding of autism and provide practical strategies to ensure the psychological safety of autistic students. By fostering collaboration among students, families, educators, employers, and the broader community, this course seeks to build a supportive environment that embraces and celebrates neurodiversity.
Join us in advocating for an ethical and just approach in education that honors and supports neurodivergent ways of being. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact!
Learning Objectives:
By attending this workshop, you will:
- Understand the benefits of neurodiversity-affirming approaches and why they matter;
- Discover the importance of teaching that focuses on the strengths of each student;
- Learn strategies to create a supportive and inclusive school culture;
- Appreciate the diverse experiences and behaviors of autistic individuals;
- Critically reflect on your own perceptions of behavioral norms and how they compare to autistic ways of being;
- Learn self-reflective practices to enhance your ability to support neurodivergent students effectively.
Join us to gain practical skills and insights that will help you become a better ally and advocate for neurodivergent students.
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