Supporting Neurodivergent Parents: Strategies for Strength-Based Engagement
This training equips professionals with the tools and insights needed to support neurodivergent parents more effectively. Participants will learn how to recognize both the challenges and the unique strengths of "neuro-spicy" parents, building a foundation of trust, respectful communication, and individualized support.
Course Overview
Parenting can be especially complex for neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Challenges such as executive functioning difficulties, heightened stress, and communication barriers often intersect with parenting responsibilities. However, these same parents frequently demonstrate remarkable resilience, dedication, and creativity in raising their children.
This training equips professionals with the tools and insights needed to support neurodivergent parents more effectively. Participants will learn how to recognize both the challenges and the unique strengths of "neuro-spicy" parents, building a foundation of trust, respectful communication, and individualized support. The goal is to foster stronger partnerships that empower parents and promote healthier family outcomes.
This intermediate-level virtual course is for an array of human services professionals including social workers, psychologists, counsellors, and other professionals supporting neurodivergent parents.
Participants will be able to:
Identify key parenting challenges faced by autistic and ADHD parents, including executive function issues, stress vulnerability, and communication barriers.
Describe the core strengths of neurodivergent parents, such as resilience, commitment, and positive parenting skills.
Apply neuro-inclusive strategies that foster trust, improve communication, and promote skill-building in parents.
What people have said about other trainings presented by Laura Gaines:
“The trainer provided “very helpful activities and kept the interest level high.”—Sharon L.
“I appreciated the flow of the activities and the interactivity of the training.” --Alex P.
Laura Gaines, MSW, LISW-S
Laura Gaines is a clinical social worker with over 28 years’ experience. She received her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from The Ohio State University and is a licensed independent social worker. Career experience includes managing group homes for people with developmental disabilities; associate professor at the Nisonger Center, OSU; family service coordinator at Dahlberg Learning Center; and Mental Health Clinician for children and adolescents in private practice. She develops and presents training for helping professionals in the areas of child and adolescent development and mental health, Social Work Ethics, Individual and Community Resilience, Trauma-Informed Care, and supporting people who are neurodivergent. She is also a volunteer for the Crisis Text Line.
