DDS Statewide Autism Team Training – June 18, 2025
The DDS Statewide Autism Team is pleased to announce the following presentation as part of the Neurodiversity Series.
Training: Supporting Individuals and Families from a Neurodiversity Affirming Lens
Meeting autistic people with radical acceptance means honoring who they are instead of pressuring them to act neurotypical. Autism is a core part of identity, not a flaw to fix. Pushing autistic people to mask their traits can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout. In contrast, acceptance creates safety, self-worth, and room to thrive. When we accept people as they are, we build real trust and connection. Forcing conformity often stems from ableism, the idea that neurotypical behavior is superior. True support doesn’t erase differences; it empowers people to live fully and authentically.
This training session will:
- Share a brief overview of the neurodiversity movement and its connection to neurodivergent culture
- Provide education around using the neurodiversity affirming paradigm in assessment and treatment recommendations
- Explore the intersectionality of neurodivergence with co-occurring mental health conditions
- Discuss the importance of relying on the recommendations of those with lived experience
- Discuss the experience of trauma, adversity, and minority stress that often co-occur with neurodivergence
- Discuss how and why the neurodiversity affirming perspective is so important to challenge the medical model, create inclusive environments, reduce stigma and discrimination, empower neurodivergent individuals, and highlight that neurodivergence is not a problem to be fixed.
Date and Time: June 18th, 2025, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
Location: Remote Via Zoom
Registration Link: Click Here to Register
About the Presenter: Lisa Dube, LICSW (She/Her)
In 2018, Lisa established a private practice focused on working with individuals and families. She focuses on the unique therapeutic needs of families and individuals at the intersectionality of neurodivergence and gender identity. Lisa is Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 3 trained, has received specialized and intensive training on working with families, has completed the Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) North America Level 2 training, and participates in several autism focused clinical supervision groups. Lisa also conducts autism and ADHD assessments for adults from a neurodiversity affirming lens. Lisa is currently focused on meeting the needs of the
Intended Audience: This training is open to everyone, and all are welcome to attend. Please share the attached flyer with anyone interested in learning more.