ADHD, ADULT DIAGNOSED AUTISM AND SEX | KDH Collective

This course offers mental health professionals a neurodiversity-affirming framework for addressing sexual health in clients with ADHD and/or Adult diagnosed Autism. We will explore how common neurodivergent traits impact sexual expression, intimacy, and relationships. Participants will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for assessment and intervention, including communication techniques, sensory-informed approaches, and ways to navigate executive function challenges. The class also covers ethical considerations, intersectionality, and addressing misconceptions to help you provide affirming and effective care.

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This comprehensive course provides licensed mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively address sexual health and relationship concerns for clients with ADHD and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Moving beyond common misconceptions, we will adopt a neurodiversity-affirming perspective that respects and validates the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals.

The course is divided into three key sections:

I. Understanding Neurodivergence and Sexual Health: We'll define how core neurodivergent traits—such as executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, and communication differences—can uniquely shape a person's sexual health and relationships. You'll learn to recognize how these traits manifest in sexual expression and intimacy, and we'll work to challenge common stereotypes.

II. Assessment and Clinical Considerations: This section focuses on ethical best practices for creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to discuss sexual health. We'll cover effective screening and assessment methods, the impact of co-occurring mental health conditions, and how intersectionality (e.g., gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background) influences these experiences.

III. Therapeutic Interventions and Strategies: You will gain practical, actionable strategies to use in your clinical work. Topics include developing psychoeducational tools to help clients understand their own sexual profile, creating effective communication strategies for partners, and exploring interventions to address sensory differences. We'll also cover ways to manage executive function challenges related to relationships, navigate dating, and support healthy relationship development. The course will also touch on trauma-informed approaches for addressing problematic sexual behaviors and provide a curated list of valuable resources for clients.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the skills to provide affirming, respectful, and highly effective support to your neurodivergent clients in the areas of sexual health and relationships.
CLASS OBJECTIVES
1. Understanding Neurodivergence and Sexual Health:
- Define and differentiate key characteristics of ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that can impact sexual health and relationships (e.g., executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, social communication differences, emotional regulation challenges, special interests).
- Explain how common neurodivergent traits (e.g., direct communication, different processing speeds, sensory seeking/avoiding behaviors, challenges with implicit social cues) may manifest in sexual expression, intimacy, and relationship dynamics for individuals with ADHD and/or Autism.
- Identify and challenge common misconceptions and stereotypes regarding sexuality in individuals with ADHD and/or Autism, promoting a neurodivergent-affirming perspective.
2. Assessment and Clinical Considerations:
- Describe ethical considerations and best practices for discussing sexual health and relationships with neurodivergent clients, ensuring a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment.
- Identify effective screening and assessment tools/approaches to gather comprehensive information about a neurodivergent client's sexual history, current concerns, desires, and challenges.
- Recognize the potential for co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma) that may intersect with sexual health concerns in individuals with ADHD and/or Autism.
- Discuss the impact of intersectionality (e.g., gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background) on the sexual health experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
3. Therapeutic Interventions and Strategies:
- Formulate psychoeducational strategies to help neurodivergent clients understand their own unique sexual profile and how their neurotype influences their sexual experiences and relationships.
- Develop practical communication strategies to assist neurodivergent clients in expressing their sexual needs, boundaries, and desires to partners.
- Explore interventions to address sensory differences that may impact sexual activity and intimacy for individuals with Autism (e.g., identifying sensory preferences, creating sensory-friendly environments).
- Outline strategies for managing executive function challenges related to relationships and sexual health (e.g., planning dates, maintaining communication, follow-through on sexual agreements).
- Identify approaches for supporting healthy relationship development for neurodivergent individuals, including navigating dating, consent, conflict resolution, and maintaining long-term connections.
- Discuss interventions for addressing problematic sexual behaviors in a trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming manner, when applicable, emphasizing prevention and skill-building.
- Provide resources and referrals for neurodivergent clients seeking additional support related to sexual health, including sex positive resources, disability-specific organizations, and relevant community groups.
NEURODIVERGENCE 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
ADVANCED NEURODIVERGENCE: AUTISM
ADVANCED NEURODIVERGENCE: ADHD
NBCC APPROVAL

Monet David, MS, LPC, ADHD-CCSP

KDH Collective Educator & KDH Counseling Clinical Director

vhw5crhtye65uxn6xm198q Mone t David is a Licensed Professional Cou nselor who works in private practice serving clients aged 13 years and up. She has completed 170 hours of continuing education in sex education. She is a 2016 graduate of the ULL Counselor Education program. She has experience serving the community by providing in-home family counseling, as well as working with chronic mentally ill adults in an outpatient setting and most recently provided clinical assessments for children receiving mental health services. Monet also serves on the Pride Acadiana planning committee and is a founding member of the Acadiana Queer Collective.

Whitney Storey, MS, LPC, ASDCS

KDH Education Director & KDH Counselor

ASDCS Badge Whitney (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Senior Instructor of Psychology, therapist at KDH Counseling, and lifelong learner. With a Master of Science in Psychology and an additional Master of Science in Counselor Education. Whitney specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping individuals live value-driven lives to reach their full potential. With a decade of experience, she focuses on parenting, motherhood, perinatal mental health, identity, and incarceration. As a neurodivergent counselor and mother, her radical self-acceptance guides her unconditional positive regard for the people she interacts with daily.

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.

Leaning into ADHD

KD Holmes, MS, LPC, EMDR Certified, and Monet David, MS, LPC, ADHD-CCSP share insights about ADHD and therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the importance of understanding neurodiversity in therapy. Monet David leads the deep dive into discussing various topics related to ADHD, its historical context, the stigma surrounding it, and what treating ADHD means in the therapeutic context for both client and clinician.

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

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Contact us:

kdh@kdholmeslpc.com

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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.