Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client

Desert–CAMFT

presents

in collaboration with the Central Coast chapter

Neurodivergence Unveiled: Reframing Trauma, Identity, and Care for the Neurodivergent Client

with Stephanie Kollar, MA, LMFT

Friday, July 18, 2025
9:30am-11:30am

Online Via Zoom

(link will be provided in confirmation and reminder emails)

2 CE Credits

Description

This presentation, led by an autistic mental health therapist, will guide clinicians through a deep exploration of neurodivergence, trauma, and the challenges in understanding and identifying neurodivergent clients. Drawing from lived and professional experience, this course will provide clinicians with a framework to reduce ableist perspectives, enhance therapeutic rapport, and apply an anti-ableist, affirming worldview to their practice. The presentation will delve into the nuances of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and Complex PTSD (CPTSD), highlighting how these conditions intersect and how therapists can more accurately identify and support neurodivergent clients. Participants will leave with practical tools to navigate sensory processing needs, adapt existing evidence- based practices, and reframe their approach to neurodivergence for more inclusive, effective care.

Educational Goals

This course is designed to help therapists identify and understand the lived experience of neurodivergence, while reducing ableist identification of neurodivergence. By reframing neurodivergence through an anti-ableist, affirming worldview, clinicians will be equipped to enhance their approach to trauma-informed care and adapt their practices to better serve neurodivergent clients.

Learning Objectives

In successfully completing and attending this presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate 3 differences between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Complex PTSD (CPTSD), identifying the key similarities and differences between these conditions.

2. Recognize and address 3 common areas of misdiagnosis, especially in clients of color, and understand the implications of such misdiagnoses.

3. Explore 3 strategies for adapting existing evidence- based practices to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent clients.

Presenter

Stephanie Kollar, MA, LMFT has a diverse background in mental health work, including field-based family therapy with families living in poverty and navigating high levels of intersectional identities. Specializing in neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges, Stephanie developed a keen ability to differentiate between subtle diagnostic distinctions and recognized the importance of honoring neurodivergent differences. She has also provided short-term, evidence- based care for adults and now runs a private practice focused on anti- ableist, affirming care for neurodivergent individuals. As a professor in the Master’s of Clinical Psychology program at Antioch University Santa Barbara, her alma mater, Stephanie specializes in the intersection of neuroscience and anti-ableist mental health care. Identifying as both autistic and ADHD (AUDHD), she integrates her lived experience into her work, helping students and colleagues better understand and engage with the neurodivergent experience.

Cost/Registration

$25 Desert-CAMFT Members

$15 for Prelicensed Members

$35 for Non-members or Guests

Closing date for registration is Thursday, July 17, 2025.

Questions

Please email Chaundra Prehara, Director of Events at chaundraprehara@yahoo.com.