In Person
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Pricing

Information

Date & Time

Location

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe key structural and functional differences in neurodivergent brains, particularly in autism and ADHD.

  • Examine how the medical model of diagnosis influences self-perception in neurodivergent individuals and how to differentiate between pathologizing language and neuro-affirming approaches in clinical practice.

  • Apply neurodivergent affirming techniques that accommodate neurodivergent communication styles and executive functioning differences.

  • Apply actionable strategies to create neurodivergent-friendly environments that promote mental well-being.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this presentation is to expand clinicians’ understanding of neurodivergence and their ability to support neurodivergent clients effectively, through sensory-friendly, trauma-informed, and strengths-based interventions. Participants will leave with actionable tools to implement neurodivergent-affirming care, improving treatment outcomes across diverse clinical settings.

Description

This presentation focuses on neurodivergent-affirming care for ADHD and autistic adults, emphasizing identity development and the negative impact of pathologizing on mental health for neurodivergent (ND) adults. The speaker, an experienced clinical psychologist and clinical director, discusses how affirming approaches improve outcomes by fostering supportive, ND-informed care. Practical strategies for reducing pathologizing narratives and focusing on strengths are shared, highlighting ways to enhance therapeutic relationships and treatment effectiveness. The session offers actionable insights for improving outcomes through affirming, personalized care for neurodivergent individuals.

Target Audience

  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker
  • Substance Use Disorder Professionals

Presenters

Tony Meiners, PsyD
Dr. Tony Meiners is a licensed clinical psychologist who has spent the last decade of his career working in residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient levels of care. He brings a holistic treatment methodology to The Neurodivergent Collective to promote an integrative approach in treating mental health conditions. As the Clinical Director, Dr. Meiners utilizes his neurodivergent-specific training in conjunction with knowledge of neurobiological and cognitive treatment modalities to help heal clients.

On his philosophy at The Neurodivergent Collective, Dr. Meiners says, “At the heart of neurodivergent-affirming treatment is the celebration of cognitive and neurological diversity as a natural and valuable aspect of human variation. This perspective acknowledges that conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences are not merely deficits but unique ways of experiencing and interacting with the world. Embracing neurodivergence means recognizing the strengths, talents, and perspectives that come with these differences and fostering an environment that supports and validates them.”

Dr. Meiners received his Bachelor’s in Psychology from Maryville University; his Masters of Social Work, with an Adult Mental Health and Wellness concentration, from University of Southern California; and his Doctor of Applied Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

His area of specialty is bottom-up and top-down conjunctive treatment by combining somatic and/or experiential based interventions with post-modern cognitive therapeutic modalities. His work centers around identity development for individuals that exist in constructs outside societal expectations. In addition, queer-affirming and neurodivergent-affirming approaches to the treatment of trauma are his current areas of focus and treatment.

Financially Sponsored By

  • High Watch Recovery Center