It is imperative for clinicians and educators to be aware of the neurodiversity movement in order to better support all human rights. This course discusses what neurodiversity is and the history of the movement, as well as the potential for trauma related to behavioral interventions. Case examples demonstrate how to apply a paradigm shift to clinical practice that seeks to accept and celebrate differences rather than mask them.
Course created on January 21, 2021
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Language Disorder(s) Neurogenics, Cognition, and Executive Function Professional Issues School Intervention and Collaboration in Schools Syndromes and Special Populations
Preview Exam
On Demand
Course Type: Video
CEUs/Hours Offered: ASHA/0.1 Intermediate, Professional; IACET/0.1; IBCCES/1.0; Kansas LTS-S1370/1.0; SAC/1.0
Learning Outcomes
- After this course, participants will be able to define neurodiversity.
- After this course, participants will be able to explain why Applied Behavioral Analysis and other behavioral interventions are traumatic.
- After this course, participants will be able to list three adjustments to clinical practice that will support agency and self-determination.
Agenda
| 0-5 Minutes | Introduction |
| 5-15 Minutes | Vocabulary and terminology, social model vs. medical model, identity first vs. person first language |
| 15-30 Minutes | Trauma: masking and ableism |
| 30-50 Minutes | Intervention models that support neurodiversity |
| 50-55 Minutes | Human rights |
| 55-60 Minutes | Summary, Q&A |
Reviews
748 Reviews
by
kaylene
on
April 13, 2021
I loved discussing masking and learning essential effects and how to support this.
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Marla
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April 13, 2021
The pace was just right.
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Anne Marie
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April 12, 2021
Basically the presenter talked more about what not to do, what not to use and what not to say. Her response to the good question at the end regarding the teenager being offensive in a conversation....I don't even know what she was talking about. I can't go on enough about how ridiculous some of this information is.
by
Member
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April 11, 2021
Wow! This course was a real eye-opener and increased my awareness and understanding of neurodiversity.
by
Monica
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April 11, 2021
This course was eyeopening and insightful. It offered an important perspective.
by
Rita A
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April 9, 2021
The course was very interestingly presented. I learned that it's important to mindful of making decisions recognizing that neurodiversity must be acknowledged.
by
Member
on
April 9, 2021
Incredible and current information that many universities are still teaching incorrectly. This course should be mandatory for all SLPs.
by
Member
on
April 8, 2021
I loved the overview to learn about a different perspective that is so important. I would have loved more case study/concrete examples of how we SHOULD do things to better support Neurodiversity.
by
Member
on
April 7, 2021
I like that the presenter provided good content and a rationale. I like how she provided suggestions when working with clients and families to allow them to embrace differences.
by
Member
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April 7, 2021
Good content, but didn't agree with some of the presenter's opinions. For example, her explanation of the PECS system was outdated in my opinion and her explanation as to why not to target "feelings" during therapy (and when to do so) seemed strange to me. She also went way too fast toward the end of her presentation.
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Member
on
April 7, 2021
Excellent course and presenter! The information provided is very important to ensuring basic human rights are provided. Thank you for giving such and informative and well-plan presentation!!
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Member
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April 5, 2021
It was organized and applicable to relating to the kids we service
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SARAH
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April 5, 2021
This was the BEST PD I have seen in years. It is extremely relevant and will impact my daily work as a school-based SLP and member of the administration team. I can't wait to share what I have learned with my colleagues!
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Sonya
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April 4, 2021
Explanations of terms I was unfamiliar with and their meanings. Also much of the self advocacy was informative.
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Andrea
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April 3, 2021
This course and the TNC itself is urgently needed to support our students/patients/clients. It is about time that humans are celebrated for their differences and not shamed for their differences or "deviation from the norm." I only wish people had been as enlightened in my formative years during which I was subject to bullying, emotional trauma and abuse. We can only hope to move forward as a species to further develop understanding of our own condition.This should indeed be a full-day seminar/training. Joleen was fabulous and so genuine.
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Alicyn
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April 3, 2021
I can apply this information to my interventional activities and share it with my colleagues and parents. I am a huge supporter of self-advocacy for my students.
by
Lisa
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April 3, 2021
Great over view of the neuroduversity shift and how to improve my practice.
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Caitlin
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April 2, 2021
Joleen made me question some of my practices- this is how we grow and learn as clinicians.
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Terry
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April 2, 2021
Having experienced graduate school thirty years ago, I see this knowledge of Neurodiversity as critical toSLPs being able to facilitate the highest potential in autistic individuals. Also, I see awareness and understanding ofNeurodiversity as essential for the SLP in assisting parents in celebrating the unique abilities of their children.
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Jenni
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April 2, 2021
Insightful presentation. Helping to reframe thinking in working with all of my caseload
by
Member
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April 1, 2021
I appreciate that the presenter encouraged others to seek out Autistic voices as we work towards supporting agency and self-determination for clients.
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JACQUELINE
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March 30, 2021
Examples from treatment were very insightful
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Sarah
on
March 30, 2021
This is an overdue perspective shift in our field, and we all need more continuing education on this topic.
by
Member
on
March 30, 2021
not what I thought it was going to be
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james
on
March 29, 2021
I am late to the nuerodiversity game. This training caught me up real quick.
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Abby
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March 29, 2021
The examples given throughout allowed me to start to think about how to use this in my own therapy and the resources provided have given a way to actually take those steps toward changing the way I do therapy.
by
Nikolina
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March 28, 2021
The course clearly explained the negative impacts that certain behavioral models could have on people. Therefore, making me better aware as a clinician on how to ease the impacts of therapy.
by
Member
on
March 28, 2021
There's a lot of thought-provoking material in here and the distinctions in goal-writing are very valuable to think about. But you can't just throw up sweeping generalizations like "teaching emotions bad" and "PECS bad" and have no nuance to that and little evidence to back it up. Each of those things needed to be detailed much more for this to feel coherent. Totally lost me when an autistic SLP asked a question about addressing (or not addressing) recognizing others' emotions and in my opinion the presenter's response was kind of a mess that avoided addressing the clear intent of the question. I agree that the cited sort of example of teaching kids to point to a red angry flash card when they're mad is a disaster area for a couple reasons the overwhelming majority of the time, but I don't feel like I have any understanding of how and why trying to teach the ability to recognize emotions is inherently demeaning, damaging, or ableist--especially, say, to clients who actively express that this is a skill they would like to grow in. That might well be the case and I'm pursuing other resources now to try to learn more, but I didn't learn it here.
by
Member
on
March 28, 2021
This was extremely eye opening. I am still confused as to how to help young children that can't communicate if everything I have learned in the past is wrong. I will continue to educate myself in this area. It was very interesting information.
by
Allison
on
March 28, 2021
It was like a profound sea change for me to watch this course.
by
Member
on
March 26, 2021
It is nice to hear the SLP perspective on this movement and where to go from here/how to better meet the needs of our clients.
by
Member
on
March 25, 2021
This course is a good introduction. I liked the resources and examples that were chosen. I would love to see a similar presentation that goes into a bit more detail.
by
Nicole
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March 24, 2021
The topic and the presenter! THANK YOU! This was hands down one of the best presentations I've ever attended. Loved the video examples. Loved your style.
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Judy
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March 23, 2021
I really appreciate all the resources provided to to assist in making changes in therapy and goal writing. This is only an hour course, so I'm glad to have specific places to look for help. I have already recommended it to 3 other SLPs I work with.
by
Member
on
March 22, 2021
There were a lot of great points and I appreciate the alternative perspective. I learned ways that I will shift my own perspective and therapy approach. But I will take some points "with a grain of salt" because at times I felt like my identity and beliefs were being suppressed. As one example, I have had artic clients (and others) and I have my own children who are neurotypical and do benefit from external reward systems and generalization does occur in a rapid timeframe. I also wish the course discussed more about how to approach severe impairments and respect for the parents of such children.
by
Member
on
March 22, 2021
This was a high quality crash course in understanding the neurodiversity movement. The material in this course is absolutely relevant to SLPs in our daily professional practice and will positively impact the lives of children we serve.
by
Member
on
March 22, 2021
It was well-organized and the presenter showed an obvious passion for the subject matter.
by
Member
on
March 22, 2021
This is a relatively new concept and I appreciated the insight from the Autistic community. The presenter was honest and gave great ideas for goals and managed to do so without being "preachy".
by
Member
on
March 19, 2021
New and significant perspective
by
Member
on
March 18, 2021
Providing clear Do's and Do Not's and suggestions for interventions that are inclusive.
by
Member
on
March 18, 2021
It is based only one person's opinion and only looks at information through a Hanen model. The first 15 minutes of information were good, it became very biased especially towards the end.
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Karen
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March 17, 2021
The presenter's style and personal experience with the topic.
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Leslie
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March 17, 2021
I work with severely disabled children and young adults. A lot of this information is new to me and offers a lot to ponder, discuss and research. Thank you for bringing this to us!
by
Member
on
March 17, 2021
good examples, resources
by
Bliss
on
March 17, 2021
Presenter was knowledgeable and interesting. I learned a lot about this topic and will change my thoughts and language when talking/writing about my clients in the ND population
by
Kay H.
on
March 17, 2021
New information explained in a way that did not negatively oppose operant conditioning; but put s new spin on it.
by
Jennifer
on
March 16, 2021
This topic is a new concept for me but i was able to understand what changes I need to start making in practice and even with my own child to help support them.
by
Allison
on
March 16, 2021
I thought that the video clips were great but would have preferred to have clips of an Autistic person talking about themselves and how they feel. Felt the presenter was presenting in some circumstances more of an opinion.
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Jacqueline
on
March 16, 2021
Interesting information, but still unclear on how this methodology supports patients' advancement to achieve functional communication skills without using some behavior supports. The slides regarding goal writing were helpful.
by
Graciela
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March 15, 2021
Very happy to see that the notion of social justice, agency and self-determination are now becoming a part of the language being used in SLP training/workshops/conferences. This framework should be the basis of all graduate training programs as it applies to a diversity of population and would have been so helpful in the 1980's when working with monolingual SLP's who had little to no understanding on working with bilingual populations.
by
Amy
on
March 14, 2021
She stayed on track, had great examples, explained herself well and provided much needed information.
by
Member
on
March 14, 2021
This is all very new to me. I am working with a family right now who pointed me in this direction. I am eager to continue to learn more in this area.
by
Member
on
March 14, 2021
great information about a new movement to support our special education students
by
Member
on
March 14, 2021
Provided different ideas that I can employ with my caseload and perspectives on how to work with my caseload.
by
Member
on
March 14, 2021
As someone who struggles with working on goals for students who are neurodivergent (especially social goals) and as someone who is neurodivergent myself this is really illuminating and I think will help a lot going forward with these students.
by
Member
on
March 13, 2021
I think the speaker did a great job presenting the information and explaining; however, I find it difficult to merge the ideas of the movement with therapy as we know it presently. While I understand and agree with certain points, I have trouble understanding how to improve an autistic child's communication skills without behavioral intervention. I do wish a little more time had been spent in explaining the strategies to use in therapy in order to do this (in place of behavioral intervention). If we "reward" the child for their communication attempt even though it isn't "appropriate", are we then not reinforcing that "inappropriate" communication modality? And how would we expand on that and move beyond? (For example, the child wants me to open a box and is just yelling "ahhh" while pointing. I know what the child wants, but if I open the box in response to that, will that child then not learn to associate "ahh"+pointing with the appropriate way to get the box open? How would I move beyond that point without some form of behavioral intervention?)
by
Member
on
March 12, 2021
Would like more examples of how to implement in a public school setting.
by
Member
on
March 12, 2021
I keep reading about this topic on social media and it helped me to understand the concept of Ableism and neurodiversity more.
by
nahal
on
March 12, 2021
the new and updated info!!!! LOVED IT!
by
Member
on
March 11, 2021
I do not necessarily subscribe to the DIR model of intervention. Rather I see it as a potential tool just as ABA is a tool when treating individuals who are on the Spectrum
by
Jessica
on
March 11, 2021
These are topics I have been thinking about deeply for the past year. It is so good to hear other SLPs advocating to this and teaching others. I greatly appreciated the perspective of this course and the knowledge I gained from it. It will positively impact my ability to advocate for my clients and their human rights.
by
Member
on
March 11, 2021
The course shared a perspective that is not really shared.
by
Member
on
March 11, 2021
This is the first course I've seen about this topic. It was very good to begin learning about this professionally.
by
Andrea
on
March 11, 2021
I liked the visual charts provided.
by
Member
on
March 10, 2021
I appreciated the content of this course but I found it hard to digest as I love working with behaviorists and have seen some amazing results of their work. I also am a huge fan of Social Thinking and the materials/training that this company puts out. Before taking this course, I read one research article on this topic, so I recognize that it will take more reading and reflection to shift my thinking. I've been an SLP for over 15 years and recognize that this will take time.
by
Brenna
on
March 10, 2021
Such an important topic, thank you for teaching me how to be a more inclusive and supportive SLP!
by
Debra
on
March 9, 2021
I like the comparison of the goals listed
by
Member
on
March 8, 2021
Dr. Fernald's presentation is truly life-changing for everyone !
by
Paul
on
March 8, 2021
The presentation was fair. It did not take into account cultural and ethnic considerations when discussing neurodiversity. Goals and implied more Euro-centric and American perceptions of high functioning neurodiverse populations vs. taking into consideration how other families who do not have the resources or luxury to opt out of services like ABA due to lack of services until a later age leading to increased behaviors that inhibit functionality. In southern California I worked with a mostly Vietnamese immigrant population where everything that was presented today was, while aspirational, did NOT and would not satisfy the needs of those families who are trying to balance multiple cultural perceptions of neurodiversity simultaneously.
by
Megan
on
March 7, 2021
Very relevant content for new and seasoned SLPs to be made aware of so that the field can adapt and be more supportive to the neurodivergent community.
by
Kathleen
on
March 7, 2021
The presenter acknowledged her own humanity and search for the best way to preserve human dignity while delivering services. It reminds us all that the goal is not to bash anyone or ourselves for the way we've done things in the past, but to questions our actions and words.
by
Member
on
March 7, 2021
Clearly explained progression of models/schools of thought, comprehensive rationale for contemporary terms & approaches, & clear connections to practice
by
Member
on
March 6, 2021
specific examples and descriptions of concepts
by
Member
on
March 5, 2021
Good presenter and interesting subject matter. As a parent of a neuro-diverse child I agree with a lot of what she says; as a practitioner, I'm not sure if I want to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" yet (i.e. give up the things that really seem to work), but she has certainly given me a lot to think about...
by
Amy
on
March 5, 2021
Personally I want to say thanks for this course. For way too long, my parents have sworn by ABA and the reason I chose the speech route is because I was an RBT and always felt something was not quite right. After seeing the very drastic differences in how ABA and Speech focus on language, I am so glad I did not go the ABA route. I do wish more people would speak out against ABA, but I do see glimmers of hope now that more are realizing the trauma it can invoke. Thank you for speaking up! On another note, I still get IEP's that focus on eye contact and I change them. I am glad you also mentioned that in your presentation--along with PECS and so much more! Excellent information!
by
Victoria
on
March 5, 2021
As a speech therapist working in Early Intervention, I have personally seen how effective and efficient ABA can be for children who don't have joint attention or imitation skills. I am very grateful to my DI colleagues who help these kids acquire such skills very quickly, so that I can then work on their language goals using the more naturalistic strategies that I have been taught.
by
Member
on
March 4, 2021
Great content, easy to follow, great information about resources!
by
Michelle
on
March 4, 2021
so much information-I never considered before
by
Member
on
March 4, 2021
This course provided a lot of information and examples that I found useful.
by
Tina
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March 3, 2021
This course was so good that I am asking the Director of Special Education in my district to consider allowing the SLP team to present on this topic, as it is applicable to all service providers. The content is applicable across the board to all specialists.
by
Rebecca
on
March 3, 2021
So informative & provided lots of clarity
by
Marielle
on
March 3, 2021
This course helped me think about some perspectives I need to change. The presenter was very gracious in admitting that she constantly has to work on her own language biases. Her presentation is not about a specific technique, it’s an approach that can change the way I think about neurodiversity. I will definitely be looking up more information on this topic and would encourage former colleagues (I’m retired) to watch this video and think about ways of improving how they think about, approach, and teach anyone.
by
Miaya
on
March 2, 2021
Information was presented in clear, concise manner.
by
Carolyn
on
March 2, 2021
The definitions provided a perspective for working with neurodiverse clients.
by
Frances
on
March 1, 2021
All material was relevant to my practice and presented in easy to understand manner. Great videos to support material.
by
Member
on
February 28, 2021
I simply did not know about the different approach and will be much more mindful when I work with neurodivergent people. This was very informative and helpful.
by
Jamie
on
February 28, 2021
I loved the instructor’s knowledge of the neurodiversity movement, and how she applies it to her practice. Her understanding of things that are traumatic and dehumanizing to Autistics was awesome.
by
Member
on
February 27, 2021
I can use the concept of neurodiversity in two facets of my work: University and IEPs as an SLP. I find it interesting that many parents are hesitant to consider their autistic elementary age children to be autistic.
by
Jennifer
on
February 27, 2021
I think the presenter was able to make a compelling case with the information she presented how trying to conform an individual who is neurodivergent can be traumatizing, and how goals can be met more effectively without devaluation of the person in our methods of treatment and our language around these diversities.
by
Abigail Nadia
on
February 26, 2021
Great examples, thorough explanation and definitions, and resources
by
Melony
on
February 26, 2021
It is such good information but it would be really nice to have more information and examples of how to effectively apply the concepts to achieve goals.
by
Melissa
on
February 26, 2021
This course was excellent. I have been shifting my therapy approach to support this model as I've learned more about it over the last couple years. I have had so many "light bulb" moments, realizing that what I was doing before with social skills programs (with good intentions) might have been causing stress on the person I was working with. This provided great information, examples, and ways to incorporate changes into my practice immediately.
by
Janelle B.
on
February 25, 2021
The presenter provided examples that are applicable to the clinician's work experiences
by
Member
on
February 24, 2021
This course was a real eye-opener! It called in to questions many of my assumptions, my biases, my goals, and practices.
by
Member
on
February 24, 2021
Neurodiversity is an important topic and Joleen presented the information well. She also provided many articles and resources to gather more information.
by
Denise
on
February 24, 2021
This is the best presentation for those working with the autistic population, thought provoking, challenging and relevant .
by
Melissa
on
February 24, 2021
Great topic and needed information.
by
Member
on
February 23, 2021
As someone trained in ABA and PBIS models, this course was very eye-opening for me. I loved the way that the instructor explained the logic behind the Neurodiversity approach and then explained ways to implement it in therapy. Excellent course!
by
Donna
on
February 22, 2021
This course was all about being politically correct. It taught that "autistics" are unique and we should not provide therapy to change that uniqueness. For individuals to function in life it is important for them to understand pragmatic communication and to demonstrate socially appropriate communication.
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Presented By
Joleen R. Fernald
PhD CCC-SLP, BCS-CL
Joleen R. Fernald, PhD, CCC-SLP was awarded Board Specialty Recognition in Child Language from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. Dr. Fernald follows Greenspan and Wieder’s model, DIRFloortime® , when working with children and families. She has a special interest in the social emotional development of young children and its impact on their speech and language skills. As a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Fernald works with children who have a variety of communication disorders. She partnered with Easter Seals NH in 2006 to begin an assessment and treatment clinic specifically for children with selective mutism and has recreated the model in the Tampa Bay area of Florida as well. Joleen enjoys public speaking and has presented nationally on the topics of childhood apraxia of speech and selective mutism.
More
Presenter Disclosure: Financial: Joleen Fernald was paid an honorarium for this presentation. Joleen is a Training Leader and Expert DIRFloortime provider and has a private speech-language pathology clinic. Non-financial: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is presented by SpeechPathology.com.
Content Disclosure: This learning event does not focus exclusively on any specific product or service.
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0.1 ASHA CEUs
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