understanding neurodivergence
Upcoming Events
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CLIENT’S NEURODIVERGENCE: A TRANSFORMATIVE AUTISM SPECTRUM WORKSHOP FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS
2-Day Interactive Workshop
Thursday April 4th & Friday April 5th 2024
Registration Deadline: Friday March 8, 2024
Workshop Details:
Date: April 4-5, 2024
Time: Thursday April 4th 8:30am - 4:30 pm (lunch provided) &
Friday April 5th 8:30am-12:00 pm (light breakfast)
Location: Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge, 2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265
Cost: $495 for 2-day training
Continuing Education: 10 CEUs available
Target Audience: Mental Health Providers of all levels of training
Additional Notes: Come comfortable! Athleisure-wear is encouraged.
WHY SIGN UP FOR THIS WORKSHOP?
As a mental health provider, whether you work with children, adults, or couples, encountering neurodivergence and autism is inevitable. This workshop is designed for those who seek to enhance their understanding and clinical toolbox in working with neurodivergent individuals. Whether you are looking to recognize traits of autism in less obvious scenarios, recognizing a gap in your training, or want to explore how autism intersects with other diagnoses, this workshop addresses your needs.
The majority of our clients come to us with “anxiety and depression” but we all know the complexities of mental health often go beyond that surface. Rarely do our therapy clients come to us with a comprehensive evaluation of their brainstyle, leaving us therapists to unravel the overarching ‘umbrella’ beyond their cluster of symptoms. Perhaps your lens thus far focuses on trauma, internal parts, or cultural dynamics. My workshop introduces neurodivergence as an additional, crucial umbrella to consider.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Define autism as neurodivergence, differentiating it from the DSM-V criteria.
2. Understand current trends and brain differences in ASD research.
3. Identify how ASD neurodivergence traits manifest beyond DSM-V criteria.
4. Recognize common co-occurring or differentiating conditions.
5. Identify basic action steps when working with neurodivergent clients.
CONTINUING EDUCATION:
Ten (10) CE certificates will be emailed to attendees upon completion of entire training as well as the training evaluation.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Full refund (less $50 post-registration fee) if canceled by Friday, March 8th, 2024. 50% refunds will be issued for cancellations made after this registration deadline.
No refunds within 5 business days of the event.
In the event of the presenter's cancellation without notice, all funds will be returned to participants.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER:
Dr. Danah Barazanji, PhD is a licensed psychologist in West Des Moines, Iowa, specializing in the assessment of neurodivergence. With over 10 years of experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to providing affirming spaces for individuals and families living with autism in Iowa. Dr. Barazanji earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Iowa and completed her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She completed a predoctoral internship at the Dwight D. Eisenhower VA Medical Center in Leavenworth and postdoctoral assessment-focused residency at Central Iowa Psychological Services. She has served on the Early Career Psychologist Committee and is a member of the Iowa Psychology Association.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your understanding of neurodivergence! Join Dr. Danah Barazanji for an immersive and impactful workshop. Register now and embark on a journey of knowledge, growth, and compassion.
what to expect from my workshops
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safe place to grow
This isn't just another training—it's a revelation of blind spots. Neurodivergence, perhaps one of the most significant blind spots, is often invisible on the outside. In this workshop, we'll explore the reasons behind its subtlety and strive to create a safe space for this unique brainstyle to come out of hiding—both for the individual and those around them. Once you see neurodivergence, you'll never unsee it.
Even as an “expert”, I have often missed neurodivergence in my therapy clients. I acknowledge the vulnerability and shame that comes with admitting when I've missed a diagnosis. It's a reality that happens, and that's precisely why I advocate for its inclusion in your initial diagnostic inquiries and curiosity. This workshop is designed to provide a secure environment where not having all the answers is welcomed—a space for personal and professional growth.
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ND Affirming
Sadly, our field (and society) is often nonaffirming of the neurodivergent experience. My content seeks to break that cycle.
My workshops are about creating a neurodiversity affirming space. We'll provide options for alternative forms of communication, sensory tools, and ample brain-break times to ensure a supportive environment for everyone.
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dynamic presenter
I have 10+ years of experience working with fascinating neurodivergent clients of all ages and am also raising a neurodivergent child. This work has shaped me and my understanding of this field. Despite my experience and specialty in this area, I am constantly evolving as a clinician (and parent!). This workshop is a shared learning space where we all contribute to each other's growth. If there are neurodivergent individuals in the audience, their voices and perspectives are not just welcome but essential to the richness of the experience.
Specializing in neurodivergence demands a commitment to continual growth and evolution, given the dynamic nature of the field. I embrace inquiries, share resources, and welcome the wealth of knowledge from all those who attend!
