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Information
Therapy with Autistic & Neurodivergent Children and Adolescent
Original Recording Date :
Nov 14, 2025 (EST)
Course Format
Recorded webinar.
Description: This workshop will cover the current understanding of neurodiversity and autism which challenges outdated and stereotypical perceptions that are still pervasive in society, including the mental health field. The medical model of autism will be discussed and replaced with the social model. It is imperative for mental health professionals to understand neurodivergent clients in order to effectively help them. Many current Evidence-Based treatment models need to be modified and individualized for autistic clients. The workshop will discuss a relationship based neuroaffirming and trauma-informed approach to working with clients.
Learning Objectives:
- Differentiate from historical outdated descriptions of autistic people from more inclusive and accurate descriptions
- Explain the approach necessary for providing therapy to autistic individuals
- Explain of limitations of traditional therapeutic practices
Research:
Books: Navigating PDA in America: A Framework to Support Anxious, Demand-Avoidant Autistic Children, Teens and Young Adults. (2024) JKP London
Is This Autism?, Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland, Jamell White (2024) Routledge Publishing
Unmasking Autism by Devon Price, PhD (2022) Harmony Publishers
Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, addiction professionals, case managers, and other interested individuals.
Customer ServiceWe are happy to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. Please contact us at by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.
ADA Accommodations: If you require any support for your ADA needs in the United States, please contact us by email at least 3 weeks prior to the event by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.
Diane Gould, LCSW
Diane is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that specializes in serving autistic individuals. As the Executive Director and Founder of PDA North America, she founded the annual PDA North America conference held in Chicago that has changed the lives of hundreds of PDA (pathological demand avoidance/persistent drive for autonomy) families. She co-authored the book Navigating PDA in America with Ruth Fidler which was published in June 2024. In April 2024, Diane was diagnosed as autistic.
Diane has a private practice in the suburbs of Chicago, where she serves neurodivergent children, adults and their families. Over the last 40 plus years, she has worked for both private agencies and school systems. Diane has always been fascinated by human behavior and has worked to better understand and support individuals with distressed behavior over the years. She currently focuses her practice on providing consultation and training. She works primarily with parents and regularly attends school meetings with them. Diane loves to train educators and therapists so they can better serve their students and clients.
