Canadian psychologists, join this 90-minute talk to build a more neuro-affirming practice. We'll explore the neurological foundations of neurodiversity, how sensory processing variations impact lived experiences, and the significance of masking in therapy. Discover practical applications for adapting your therapeutic environment to support sensory regulation and enhance the well-being of neurodivergent clients throughout Canada.
Neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently due to variations in brain wiring, heightened sensory processing, and unique cognitive patterns. This 90 min talk will provide an overview of the neurological foundations of neurodiversity, its impact on sensory processing, and its relevance in therapeutic settings.
The talk will begin by exploring what we currently know about how sensory information is processed. We will look at a few of the key gatekeepers in this process. We will then spend some time looking at how these settings can vary across different brains, including increased inter-hemispheric connectivity and heightened sensory receptor activity, and what this looks like in terms of lived experience.
I will also be focussing on the application of this knowledge in therapeutic contexts. Understanding the impact of masking—where individuals suppress their sensory and neurodivergent traits to conform to societal expectations— can often play a critical role in the therapeutic relationship. Lastly, we will explore the role of the physical environment in therapy, highlighting practical modifications that can create a neurodivergent-friendly space that supports sensory regulation and overall well-being.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
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