Neurodivergence in AOD Practice – Online
About
Adapt alcohol and other drug treatment to better support neurodivergent clients
Neurodivergence affects the way that people perceive, experience and navigate the world. In treatment, neurodivergent traits can be missed or mistaken for disengagement, low motivation or difficulty following through.
This one day foundational neurodivergence workshop builds your confidence to recognise possible neurodivergent needs, explore them sensitively and adapt alcohol and other drug treatment so clients can engage more effectively.
Through case vignettes, discussion, screening and formulation tools, reflective activities and practical treatment adaptations, you will develop strategies you can bring directly into assessment, treatment planning and everyday client work.
Looking to build more advanced skills in responding to neurodivergence? Check out our Advanced Neurodivergence in AOD Practice workshop.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to
- Recognise common presentations of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in alcohol and other drug settings
- Assess possible neurodivergent needs through compassionate enquiry, observation and preliminary screening
- Develop formulations that consider strengths, challenges, masked needs and the function of alcohol and other drug use
- Adapt communication, psychoeducation and treatment strategies to improve understanding and engagement
- Respond to executive functioning, sensory, communication and learning needs with practical treatment adjustments
- Apply a strengths focused, affirming approach without stepping beyond your role into diagnosis
“The trainer was very knowledgeable and informed. Information was well organised and relevant. There were opportunities to hear from other participants about their own knowledge and experiences.”
Who should attend
Alcohol and other drug practitioners, counsellors, case managers and other health and community service workers who want to better recognise and respond to neurodivergence in their work with people who use alcohol and other drugs.
About the facilitator: Paula Ross
Paula is one of Australia’s most experienced alcohol and other drug workshop facilitators, with 25 years’ experience across hospital, community and private settings. A practising psychologist with postgraduate qualifications in counselling psychology, Paula has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by alcohol and other drug workers and tailors her workshops to ensure actionable strategies to improve client outcomes.
Pricing
Early bird: $450, ending Thursday 11 February
Single: $530
Group (5+): $430
