Introduction - Theoretical Foundations and Lived Experience: Effective Practice with Neurodivergent Clients Across the Life Span

This session describes the origins and foundation of the Neurodiversity concept and subsequent clinical applications. Session includes an introduction to seminal studies leading to the Neurodiversity model. Material referenced is from multidisciplinary contributors to Neurodiversity beyond the mental health field such as Education, Cognitive Science, Crip Theory and Mad Studies. The session addresses critical and opposing views regarding Neurodiversity.

This review lays the groundwork for the course, which builds toward connecting efforts to ameliorate problems caused by neurodiversity and using a strengths-orientation as a guiding framework. The course will examine neurodivergent experiences across the life span including aspects of social, relational, sexual and emotional development.

After attending this intermediate-level program, participants will be able to:

• Identify 3 early contributors to the concept of neurodiversity.
• Compare 2 conflicting ideologies on treating symptoms and syndromes associated with neurodiverse traits.
• Give 2 examples of the progression in Neurodiversity Theory.

This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.1: Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of communications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach.

This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 3: Program will allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contributions to the profession.

General Admission: $40

The Chicago School Faculty/Staff/Alumni: $30*

Students: $20*

(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)

Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.

Kate McNulty, LCSW

Kate McNulty has been in private practice since 1999 and previously worked in Emergency Departments. She trains and consults with mental health professionals and agencies on neurodiversity, relationship therapy and sex therapy.

Jeremy Andrew Davis

“I’m an unapologetically neurodivergent, disabled, non-binary screenwriter who composes action-adventures of complex disabled heroes navigating the turbulent spectrum of life across fantastical worlds, usually with an airplane or two. I help people laugh at themselves and cry for others, cast off their troubles and find their joy, see the invisible and hear silence. I use fiction to tell the truth.”

Coburn, K. L. P. I. C. (2024). Autism through an intersectional neurodiversity lens. Topics in Language Disorders, 44(1), 2–4. https://doi.org/10.1097/tld.0000000000000335

Fernandes, L. C., Gillberg, C. I., Cederlund, M., Hagberg, B., Gillberg, C., & Billstedt, E. (2016). Aspects of Sexuality in Adolescents and Adults Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Childhood. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(9), 3155–3165. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2855-9

Goldberg, H. (2023). Unraveling Neurodiversity: Insights from Neuroscientific Perspectives. Encyclopedia, 3(3), 972–980. https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia3030070

Jones, F., Hamilton, J., & Kargas, N. (2024). Accessibility and affirmation in counselling: An exploration into neurodivergent clients’ experiences. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12742

Target Audience: Masters and Doctoral level psychotherapists and counselors.

Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods. 

Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159

Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036

MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 2.5 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.

School Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing professional development. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s School Psychology Program is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing professional development. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this continuing professional development activity. 

Illinois Educators. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 2.5 hours of continuing professional development units. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an approved provider for continuing professional development by the Illinois State Board of Education.  

National Board. This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 2.5 NBCC Clock Hours. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3036. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.

*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.

If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.