Neurodiversity-Affirming Considerations for Clinical Practice

How to explain the neurodiversity paradigm and apply it meaningfully in clinical settings
How to identify common neurodivergent conditions and the specific harms and biases your clients may have experiences in prior therapeutic settings
How to use identity-first language, respect autonomy, and implement sensory communication and accommodations in your practice
How to adapt treatment planning and therapeutic interventions to support the full spectrum of neurodivergent identities
How to support clients around unmasking, self-advocacy, and burnout prevention in ways that honor their actual experiences

Erin St John, LCSW

Therapist, educator, advocate

Erin St John, LCSW (she/they) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Humans Helping Humans Counseling LLC. She specializes in working with queer, neurodivergent, and chronically ill and disabled populations. As a queer, AuDHD person who lives with chronic illness and disability herself, Erin brings both clinical training and lived experience to this work. She is trained in EMDR and Safe and Sound Protocol and operates with a trauma-informed, polyvagal-informed lens.

Praise for Doin' The Work Courses

“These are the CEs we all need! Doin' The Work instructors are excellent facilitators of difficult conversations about racism, whiteness, white supremacy, privilege and oppression and the impact on social work practice. The course I took with them allowed me to examine my White identity, further develop my critical pedagogy and deepen my understanding of these topics. Every social worker should take these courses!”

Kim R.
Participant

“I literally learned more in the courses I took with Doin' The Work than I did in my university's American & Social Work history class. They offer ENGAGING content that centers the lived experiences of marginalized identities whilst providing practical tools on how to engage in social justice, resistance & liberation in daily Social Work practice. Being able to learn from Shimon and Charla has forced me to explore and commit to concrete ways of living that authentically reflect activism, scholarship & solidarity in my community. If you have the opportunity to engage with these courses, I highly recommend it to you."

Kelley H., LMSW
Clinician & Professor

"I wish everyone in social work could take these classes. It has been a transformative experience for me, and it is impacting how I show up in my own job at my School of Social Work, my own clinical practice, in my community in terms of increasing my involvement in community action, and in my own personal life.”

Ann H., LCSW
professor

This training introduces clinicians to neurodiversity through an affirming, strengths-based lens, with a focus on inclusive and individualized therapeutic practices. Participants will gain foundational knowledge of the neurodiversity paradigm and its application within clinical contexts, including an overview of common neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD. The course explores the unique characteristics and experiences of neurodivergent individuals, highlighting the systemic biases and harms they often face in therapeutic settings and general society.

Clinicians will learn the core principles of neurodiversity-affirming therapy—such as identity-first language, respect for autonomy, and the importance of accommodations and sensory support—and how to apply them in real-world practice. Emphasis is placed on adapting interventions, treatment planning, and the therapeutic environment to support diverse needs, communication differences, and strengths. Participants will also explore strategies for unmasking support, fostering self-advocacy, burnout prevention, and tailoring care to honor the full spectrum of neurodivergent identities and experiences.

Level: Beginner

Format: Recorded, Asynchronous Distance Learning

Interactivity: This is a recorded, self-paced (noninteractive) distance-learning course.

Target Audience: Social workers, therapists, counselors, educators, advocates, and other human service professionals.

Originally recorded: October 13, 2025

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

Define the concept of neurodiversity and explain its relevance within therapeutic practice.
Identify common neurodivergent conditions, traits or characteristics, and forms of harm or bias that neurodivergent individuals may experience.
Describe the principles and values of neurodiversity-affirming therapy, including identity-first language, autonomy, use of accommodations, sensory support/respect, and more.
Apply practical strategies to create and implement neurodiversity-affirming treatment planning, therapeutic interventions, and therapy environments (e.g., communication preferences, sensory accommodations, encouraging unmaking, strengths-based approaches, and more).
Differentiate the diversity within neurodivergent populations (e.g., autism, ADHD, OCD, dyslexia, Tourette's, and others) and tailor therapeutic approaches accordingly.

CE Credit: 1.75 continuing education credits (1 hour 45 minutes) for social workers

Doin’ The Work LLC, provider #2355, 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: 04/18/2025–04/18/2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.75 clinical continuing education credits.

To receive CE credit, social workers must:

Complete the entire course.
Pass the posttest with a score of 80% (unlimited attempts).
Complete the course evaluation.

Certificate of Completion:
Certificates are issued immediately upon passing the posttest and completing the course evaluation. Certificates can be downloaded as a PDF or shared to LinkedIn using LearnWorlds’ built-in sharing options.

Refund Policy
We work hard to create high-quality, meaningful continuing education. Because this is a recorded, self-paced digital course with immediate access to all materials, all sales are final.

That said, we want you to have a great learning experience. We’ve never had anyone request a refund, and most learners tell us the course is impactful and directly useful in their practice. If you have any concerns or issues with the course, please contact us at support@dointhework.com — we’re here to help.

Accessibility Accommodations
If you require disability-related accommodations to access or complete this course, please contact support@dointhework.com. We are committed to supporting accessible participation.

System Requirements
A reliable internet connection and an updated web browser are required. Courses can be accessed on desktop or mobile devices.

Support & Grievances
For questions, concerns, or formal grievances about this course, please email support@dointhework.com. We will respond as promptly as possible.

Doin' The Work LLC
Committed to inclusive, anti-oppressive
education and practice.

Neurodiversity-Affirming Considerations for Clinical Practice

Learn to meet neurodivergent clients where they actually are, with the frameworks, language, and tools to make your practice genuinely affirming.

What You'll Learn

Practical Strategies You'll Be Able to Use Immediately

Erin St John, LCSW

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Why Clinicians Choose This Course

Praise for Doin' The Work Courses