NEURODIVERGENT TRAUMA: ADHD/Autism & Dissociation (CEU)

A neurodiversity-affirming CEU for therapists to differentiate dissociation from ADHD/Adult diagnosed Autism, map sensory profiles to the window of tolerance, then turn that clarity into client-ready tools. You’ll clarify the relationship between ADHD/Autism and dissociation for accurate differential diagnosis and realistic treatment plans. Leave with practical screens, an ND-aligned stabilization playbook, scripts, and printable handouts. Ever wondered: is this Adult Diagnosed Autism/ADHD or trauma? Let’s explore the relationship between the two-trauma and neurodivergence-in the Neurodiversity-Affirming Trauma-Informed CEU.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Neurodiversity‑Affirming Trauma‑Informed CEU is a practical, skills‑forward workshop that tackles the clinical blind spots created by diagnostic overshadowing—when dissociation and trauma responses are mislabeled as “just autism/ADHD,” or when Autism/ADHD are misread as trauma‑driven dissociation. The result is missed diagnoses, iatrogenic invalidation, and stalled care. This training gives you a clear, compassionate map to hold both neurodevelopmental differences and trauma sequelae at the same time.

We begin by mapping the defense action system (fight/flight/freeze/fawn/flop) and sensory considerations to the client’s window of tolerance, showing how hyper/hypo sensitivities, monotropism, and EF strain shape presentations like autistic meltdown vs shutdown or ADHD agitation vs flop. You’ll learn to distinguish dissociation (time loss, derealization, detachment) from ADHD inattention and autistic absorption, and to translate that clarity into stabilization sequences you can coach in session.

Because neurodivergent clients are disproportionately impacted by minority stress, the workshop briefly explores LGBTQIA considerations preventing common misreads (e.g., “parts = gender”), interrupting microaggressions, and aligning care plans.

You’ll leave with:

• Assessment lenses you can explain to clients (DES; ASRS/Vanderbilt; PCL‑5/CAPS‑5), plus guidance for alexithymia and PDA/demand avoidance.

• A Stabilization Playbook (DBT/RO‑DBT skills, parts‑work titration, positive‑affect tolerance, sensory kits, PDA‑aware pacing) and client‑handouts (Window of Tolerance – ND version, Sensory Menu, PDA‑friendly Task Slicer).

• Implementation steps for the next session and homework options that respect sensory load and executive functioning.
CLASS OBJECTIVES
By the end, participants will be able to:
1. Identify how diagnostic overshadowing leads to both (a) misattributing dissociation/trauma responses to Autism/ADHD and (b) misattributing Autism/ADHD to trauma‑related dissociation.
2. Map sensory profiles (hyper/hypo) and ADHD differences to window of tolerance shifts (hyperarousal ↔ hypoarousal) and tailor stabilization.
3. Differentiate dissociation from ADHD inattention, autistic shutdown, and sensory overwhelm.
4. Apply neurodiversity‑affirming stabilization (OT‑informed sensory tools, PDA‑aware pacing, DBT/RO‑DBT skills).
5. Integrate LGBTQIA+ specific risks, barriers, and clinical adaptations when working with neurodivergent clients.
EBOOK
NEURODIVERGENCE IN THE THERAPY ROOM

Neurodivergence refers to individuals whose brains function differently, including those with Autism, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, Sensory Processing Disorders, and many other differences. It is common but often misunderstood, with many associated features and misdiagnoses. Mental health clinicians should understand neurodivergence in the therapy room to effectively work with neurodivergent clients. This webinar offers an introduction to evidence based neurodiversity affirming therapy and focuses on diagnosis and working with neurodivergent clients lived experiences. LEARN MORE
NEURODIVERGENCE: AUTISM
NEURODIVERGENCE: ADHD
NBCC APPROVAL

KD Holmes, MS, LPC, EMDR Certified, BTTI Trained

Founder of KDH Collective & KDH Counseling

KD (she/her) is a practicing therapist at KDH Counseling for the past 20 years. She specializes in Anxiety Disorders, Phobias, OCD, and PTSD. She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and trained in BTTI for OCD treatment. KD utilizes biology as a foundation to guide behavioral approaches to mental health treatment, using DBT, RODBT, and ERP to address issues through tangible steps. Trauma reprocessing techniques like EMDR, and Deep Brain Reorienting are valuable tools to transform the nervous system and address trauma responses. The wisdom of biology, practitioner experience, data, and protocols lead to the best outcomes for clients and professional development.

NeuroPod Series: Neurodivergence in the Therapy Room

KD Holmes, MS, LPC, and Whitney Storey, LPC, ASDCS, dive deep into the principles and practices of Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy, exploring real-world strategies to help therapists better support neurodivergent clients. KD and Whitney highlight key takeaways from their upcoming continuing education event. This specialized training is crafted for LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs who want to refine their clinical skills, strengthen their client relationships, and deliver care that celebrates the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.

Leaning into Neurodivergence: Autism

Whitney Storey, MS, LPC, and Monet David, MS, LPC, ADHD-CCSP discuss neurodivergence and leaning into the nuances of identifying and supporting the autism diagnosis in the therapy setting. Monet and Whitney get into misconceptions surrounding autism, the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and the specific aspects of therapy for autistic individuals. The significance of recognizing the lived experiences of autistic people, the challenges of masking, and how traditional diagnostic frameworks can sometimes fail to capture the true essence of autism, is invaluable to fostering a working therapeutic relationship between client and therapist.

Leaning into Neurodivergence: ADHD

In this podcast episode, Monet David, MS, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, dives into one of her most passionate topics—ADHD in therapy. Drawing from her extensive training and hands-on experience, Monet sits down with Whitney Storey, MS, LPC, ASDCS, to share valuable insights, practical tips, and real-life examples that demystify ADHD and neurodivergence. Together, they break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, empowering therapists with knowledge they can use in their office. This conversation provides approachable guidance to help make neurodivergence accessible, relatable, and meaningful.

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For LPCs, LMHCs, LCPCs, PLPCs, LMSWs, LCSWs, LMFTs, and other state-credentialed counselors

ADA NEEDS

We would be happy to accommodate your needs.

Contact us:

kdh@kdholmeslpc.com

Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to:

KDH Collective

4906 Ambassador Caffery Pkwy, Bldg I

Lafayette, La 70508

337-895-0300

kdh@kdholmeslpc.com

KDH COLLECTIVE has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP NO. 7323. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. KDH COLLECTIVE is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

We work hard to ensure the quality of our courses and educational materials. If you would like a refund, please email your request with an explanation to kd@kdholmeslpc.comwithin 48 of the live course, and we will review the refund request.