The Program
Neuroaffirming ACT For ADHD & Autism
In this advanced-level workshop, you'll gain practical, high-impact ACT strategies you can use immediately to help neurodivergent clients move through executive dysfunction, task inertia and burnout with real momentum. Walk away with clear, adaptable tools that not only create meaningful change for your clients, but also leave you feeling more confident, capable and effective in your work from day one.
Learning through practice: what the workshop covers
At least 1 in 10 people meet criteria for common neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD, Autism, or both—often alongside trauma, depression, anxiety or addiction. This two-day, in-person workshop will show you how to flexibly adapt and apply ACT to the full range of clinical presentations seen in neurodivergent adults (with principles easily transferable to adolescents).
We'll kick off a quick look at neurobiology, neurodivergent culture, and neurodiversity-affirming therapy. Then through role plays, videos of therapy sessions, live demonstrations, and many experiential exercises, you'll develop practical skills to
- Understand neurodivergence through a biopsychosocial lens and use neuroaffirming language in your work
- Adapt your communication style and accommodate sensory and individual needs
- Help clients harness strengths, build self-acceptance, and develop a positive self-identity
- Scaffold executive functioning and break through task inertia
- Improve emotion regulation, cognitive flexibility, and somatosensory awareness through neuroaffirmative body-based work
- Use quick, accessible attention-building and mindfulness practices for clients who "hate mindfulness" or can't sit still
- Apply flexible, compassionate ACT interventions across the full range of neurodivergent experiences — from distractibility and impulsivity to hyperfocus, masking, sensory overload, and burnout
Practical skills you'll develop to better support your clients
And so much more!
Who should attend this workshop?
So, if you already know ACT basics and you want to upgrade your skills to work efficiently, compassionately and creatively with neurodivergent clients, this training is for you. This advanced-level workshop is for practitioners who've completed introductory ACT training (with any trainer) and want to confidently upgrade their skills to work effectively, compassionately, and creatively with neurodivergent clients. It's open to all health and helping professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counsellors, therapists, coaches, BCBAs, psychiatrists, mental health nurses, GPs, youth workers, OTs, physios, and dietitians.
We recommend prior ACT foundations, such as a 2-day introductory workshop, Russ's 6-week ACT for Beginners course, or working through a core text like ACT Made Simple or Learning ACT.
Please Note: we will not cover diagnosis or assessment.
The workshop does not focus on diagnosis or assessment tools. It focuses purely on practical interventions: tools, techniques, principles and strategies that you can use effectively with any client – whether they have a formal diagnosis or not.