Neurodivergent kids often come with neurodivergent parents—and therapy needs to support both. This course offers practical tools for helping children with ADHD, autism, and regulation struggles, while also guiding parents who may face their own executive dysfunction or emotional challenges. Learn how to build trust, translate behavior into insight, and empower families with strategies that actually work in real life. It’s about empowering families to work with their brains—not against them.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Identify common neurodivergent traits in children and caregivers (e.g., ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, executive functioning) that influence therapeutic engagement and behavior patterns.
- Apply strengths-based, neurodivergent-affirming strategies to support emotional regulation, communication, and executive functioning in both child and parent.
- Demonstrate effective techniques for engaging neurodivergent caregivers as collaborative partners in the therapeutic process, even when they face their own regulation or trauma-related challenges.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Explore the concept of neurodivergence and why therapy must support both children and parents.
- Highlight how whole-family approaches enhance therapeutic success.
- Emphasize shifting from “fixing deficits” to celebrating neurological strengths.
Objective #1: Identify neurodivergent traits in children and caregivers that influence therapeutic engagement
- Recognize presentations of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and overthinking/fast thinking.
- Explore how traits like “I don’t know” responses, need for movement, and flexibility show up in sessions.
- Understand how masking, executive dysfunction, and regulation struggles appear in both kids and adults.
Objective #2: Apply strengths-based strategies for supporting regulation, connection, and executive functioning
- Use communication strategies where word choice matters, especially with trauma histories.
- Practice square breathing, grounding, and creative “I don’t know” strategies.
- Integrate interest-based tools, visual supports, and scripting to increase engagement.
Objective #3: Demonstrate effective techniques for engaging neurodivergent caregivers as collaborative partners
- Acknowledge executive functioning challenges in parents and provide scaffolding supports.
- Coach caregivers to set real-time reminders and follow-up systems.
- Apply validation, active listening, and structured problem-solving to balance venting and solutions.
Summary / Q&A
- Reflect on how these strategies apply to diverse family systems.
- Discuss how reframing behaviors as communication empowers kids and parents.
- Invite questions, case examples, and feedback.
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Shelby Czarnick, LICSW, ADHD-CCSP
Recording Date: September 2, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com