A relational approach to thinking about neurodiversityA relational approach to thinking about neurodiversity

The Jersey Association for Family and Systemic Psychotherapy presents: A relational approach to thinking about neurodiversity – a two-day training with Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, with Tracie Ward. This training looks at unpicking language used around neurodiversity and develop our thinking about how neurominority experiences are shaped not just by how the brain is wired, but also interactions with other people, the environment, and provision within systems, such as education, services and workplaces. It will develop appreciation of our experiences as shaped by our neurotype, in order to develop neuroinclusive practices that make life easier for everyone.  We will explore understanding an experience of difference through the lens of relational unsafety, leading to anxiety and demand avoidance. This will help us to rethink some of the common difficulties seen, including behavioural and mental health difficulties such as anxiety, low mood, OCD and eating difficulties. We will also think about the unseen difficulties for those who appear to be ‘fine’ but internalise their struggles (masking).  Instead of seeing difficulties as problems within the individual, this training steps back to consider broader factors and share the responsibility for change more widely. It focuses on understanding people in their context and exploring how we can create environments that work better for everyone. We hope the workshop themes will support you to develop more neuroinclusive environments - at work, school and home. What you will learn: We will explore how neurotype connects with different life experiences, in turn affecting behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and mental health, including: Day 1: Overview  Anxiety, masking and low mood Sensory differences Day 2: Demand avoidance, including PDA Understanding behaviour as communication Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Eating difficulties The training will involve the experiences of participants, with opportunity for group discussion. All contributions are welcome as we learn together.  Who is it for? This training is for anyone interested in neurodiversity, including: Professionals in health, education, or care Support workers and managers Families and carers Anyone wanting to better understand themselves or others About the trainer Tracie Ward has a background in education, working as a teacher for more than 20 years with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in various settings, including mainstream, specialist schools and pupil referral units. She is now a qualified Family and Systemic Psychotherapist, working in CAMHS and independent practice, with a focus on support for families and professionals within education. Tracie writes and offers training on a relational perspective on difficulties associated with neurodiversity. She is married with three grown up, neurodivergent children.