Affirming Therapy for Neurodiverse Clients

Avoid Blindspots. IMPROVE TREATMENT outcomes.

This 8-hour course for therapists is taught by Dr. Amy Marschall, an AuDHD psychologist who combines her lived experience with clinical expertise grounded in evidence-based practice.

Dr. Amy Marschall

Even Skilled Therapists Can Feel Uncertain Working with Neurodivergent Clients

Neurodivergence is more prevalent than most training programs prepared us for.

You want to offer affirming, ethical care to all your clients.

But good intentions only take you so far.

When working with neurodiverse clients, the gap between wanting to get it right and knowing how to do so can be significant.

The most common places therapists find themselves stuck:

1. You’re not sure how neuro-affirming your practice is.

You may use strengths-based language and aim for inclusive care. But without specific training, you can unintentionally reinforce normalization.

2. You don’t want to misattribute symptoms.

Neurodivergent adults often present with anxiety, depression, or complex trauma after years of adapting and suppressing traits that did not feel acceptable. As a result, neurodevelopmental differences can be mistaken for resistance, avoidance, or dysregulation.

3. You wonder how to adapt interventions without losing clinical integrity.

Adjusting your interventions to affirm neurodivergence rather than imposing conformity requires clinical judgment. You want to refine your work without abandoning your approaches and ensure your goals reflect individual client growth rather than social norms.

4. You’re unsure how trauma presents in neurodivergent clients.

Emotional overwhelm, depression, and anxiety could reflect trauma, chronic stress, and/or sensory issues. Without fully considering neurodivergence, it becomes difficult to determine what is actually causing the symptoms.

5. You’re not sure how to affirm strengths without minimizing real challenges.

Neurodivergence includes genuine strengths. It also includes real stressors and impairments.

Leaning too far in either direction can cause harm. Over-pathologizing reinforces shame. Over-romanticizing overlooks legitimate difficulties.

You want a framework that allows you to understand the complexity of neurodivergence without minimizing resilience or struggle.

This course bridges the gap between intention and skill. It provides a clear, applied framework so you can plan treatment confidently and practice in ways that are truly affirming.

Benefits of taking This Course

  • Improve assessment accuracy and reduce misattribution of characteristics

  • Clarify the difference between trauma and neurodevelopmental traits, and how they can overlap

  • Set appropriate treatment goals that align with client autonomy, growth, and well-being

  • Adapt your therapeutic approach without abandoning your orientation

  • Increase client trust, engagement, and therapeutic safety

  • Strengthen your confidence working with complex, neurodivergent presentations

  • Align your clinical decisions with affirming and ethical practice

I've gained a much wider lens on neurodivergence.  I'm excited to see how that improves my work with my clients.

This course helped me better understand the nuances in working with neurodivergent clients and how to apply that in practice.

One of the most valuable takeaways for me was getting clearer on neurodivergent terminology. It made me more aware of how often we unintentionally push clients toward what’s considered normal instead of supporting them as unique individuals.

 I wasn’t always bringing the curiosity and flexibility that neurodivergent clients often need to my sessions. After the course, I immediately tried a strategy I learned with a young child, which opened up the session in a way I hadn’t seen with her before.

 

Jessica Sanchez

Jessica Sanchez, Licensed Professional Counselor

San Antonio, Texas

Dr. Amy Marschall

MEET DR. AMY MARSCHALL, AuDHD PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Amy Marschall is an AuDHD (Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) psychologist. She learned that she was neurodivergent as an adult after years of recognizing these traits in others.

Her clinical specializations include neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed care. She supports neurodivergent adults, adolescents, and children in understanding themselves more clearly while helping reduce misdiagnosis within ADHD and autistic communities.

Dr. Marschall is the founder of Resiliency Mental Health, where she provides psychological evaluations and psychotherapy. She also serves as the Clinical Director of A Change for Better, a mental health organization that provides accessible therapy, counseling, and neuro-affirming assessments (ADHD/Autism).

She is also the author of more than a dozen books.

The course details are below, but if you're ready to sign-up, here you Go...

1 payment - $347

$297

2 MOnthly payments - $177

2 x $157

What you'll learn in the 7 Pre-recorded Modules

Module 1: Acquire a Clear Understanding of Neurodiversity

Module 1: Acquire a Clear Understanding of Neurodiversity

  • Understand the historical context of neurodiversity and how the language has evolved
  • Recognize and correct common misconceptions that may affect your work
  • Discover how traditional assessment and treatment models can misrepresent neurodivergent clients
  • Integrate strengths alongside challenges in your work with clients
  • Shift from deficit-based thinking to a neurodiversity-informed framework

Module 2: Understand the Lived Experience of Neurodivergent Clients

  • Understand the daily experiences of neurodivergent clients across the lifespan
  • Stay current with research findings and understand their strengths and limitations
  • Understand how neurodivergent identity develops, especially for clients diagnosed later in life
  • Strengthen your cultural awareness when working with neurodivergent clients from diverse backgrounds

Module 2: Understand the Lived Experience of Neurodivergent Clients

Module 3: Apply Trauma-Informed Care Effectively with Neurodivergent Clients

Module 3: Apply Trauma-Informed Care Effectively with Neurodivergent Clients

  • Understand how chronic stress, developmental trauma, and early adversity impact neurodivergent clients
  • Learn the prevalence of adversity within neurodivergent clients
  • Distinguish trauma responses from neurodevelopmental traits
  • Recognize how trauma can present differently in neurodivergent adults
  • Apply trauma-informed principles in ways that account for neurodivergence

Module 4: Strengthen Your Assessment and Diagnostic Confidence

  • Choose and adapt assessment tools in ways that reduce bias and affirm care
  • Improve your intake process so clients feel safe disclosing and self-identifying
  • Provide psychoeducation that acknowledges both strengths and challenges
  • Conceptualize diagnosis in ways that support clarity and self-understanding rather than stigma
  • Make assessment decisions that align with affirming care

 

Module 4: Strengthen Your Assessment and Diagnostic Confidence

Module 5: Create Treatment Plans That Reflect Affirming Care

Module 5: Create Treatment Plans That Reflect Affirming Care

  • Identify and avoid harmful treatment goals
  • Develop plans that reflect client-defined growth and autonomy
  • Adapt traditional interventions so they are affirming rather than normative

Module 6: Help with Accommodations and Provide Sensory Support


Module 6: Help with Accommodations and Provide Sensory Support


  • Understand when and how to recommend school and workplace accommodations
  • How to create environments that reduce sensory stress
  • Adjust pacing, structure, and expectations to better support regulation
  • Support clients in expressing themselves more authentically

Module 7: Strengthen Regulation and Communication ​

  • Use movement-based strategies to support regulation and body awareness
  • Validate and work effectively with diverse communication styles
  • Support greater client control, autonomy, and self-advocacy
  • Identify sustainable change strategies and intentional rest practices
  • Understand behavior-as-communication rather than defiance or resistance

Module 7: Strengthen Regulation and Communication ​

1 LIVE WEBINAR – “CHAT WITH AMY”

In this 1-hour webinar, Dr. Marschall will expand on the course concepts while answering questions.

**You’ll get the most value out of the course by attending this live, interactive session. You’ll be able to participate via video and ask any questions.

 **You can turn your video off if you don’t want to be seen during the session.

However, if you can’t attend the live session, you can submit questions beforehand, as it will be recorded.

The video and audio recordings of the experiential session will be available within 48 hours of the live session.

1 LIVE WEBINAR- “CHAT WITH AMY” 

1 Live Webinar - "Chat with Amy"

NORTH AMERICA

May 20, 2026

3-4pm PT /6-7pm ET

UNIted Kingdom

May 20, 2026

  11pm- Midnight

AUSTRALIA

May 21, 2026

 8-9am Sydney, Australia


You Also Get 3 Bonuses With This Course

Bonus 1 [Video]

Dr. Amy Marschall

Bonus 1 [Video]

Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy with Children and Adolescents [Video, Audio & Transcript]

In this bonus module, you’ll explore how traditional behavior-focused approaches can unintentionally do a disservice to neurodivergent children. You’ll learn how to reframe behaviors as communication, examine common myths about gentle parenting, and understand the strengths of more regulation-focused approaches. The module also offers practical guidance for providing clear, balanced psychoeducation to parents so they can support their child with greater confidence and understanding.

Bonus 2: Neurodiversity ReSource LisT

Bonus 2: Neurodiversity Resource List [PDF Document]

A collection of readings on neurodiversity to supplement the course content. If you’d like to explore the topic in greater depth, this resource list offers evidence-based resources to expand your understanding and strengthen your clinical confidence.

Bonus 3: Summaries and Key Takeaways

Summaries and key takeaways

Bonus 3: Summaries and Key Takeaways

These documents distill the essential points from each module and the bonus interview. They’re designed to help you review key concepts, reinforce your learning, and apply the strategies from the course to your clinical work without rewatching hours of content.

I’m already applying the information to my work.

Even with a background in disability services and experience working with neurodivergent clients, this course expanded how I approach my work.

I found the training validating, and I learned a lot. It reinforced the affirming, client-centered way I already work, while giving me new ways to support my clients.

The course is thorough, well-organized, and practical. The intake questions stood out, as that’s an area I’ve wanted to improve when taking client histories and developing treatment plans.

Having a presenter with lived experience also made a significant difference. It brought the material to life in a way that felt real and grounded.

I’m already applying the information to my work. For example, with a client experiencing burnout, I’m now reframing the self-blame and helping her understand the impact of working in environments that weren’t accommodating, as well as the toll that masking has had on her.

Carla Petker

Dr. Carla Petker, Registered Psychologist

Campbell River, BC, Canada

Join now

1 payment - $347

$297

2 monthly payments - $177

2 X $157

Summary of What You Get in ThiS CoursE

  • 7 pre-recorded modules 
  • A bonus module with Amy on working with children and adolescents
  • Attend a live, 1-hour  “Chat with Amy” webinar 
  •  Downloadable videos, audios, and transcripts of the materials
  •  Worksheets for each module to help integrate your learning
  • A Resource List on Neurodiversity [PDF Document]
  • Summaries and Key Takeaways of each module [PDF Document]
  •  The ability to download all materials and keep them forever (Yay!)
  •  Certificate of completion for 8 hours of instruction
  • 7-Day Money-Back Guarantee  – if you decide the course isn’t for you,  you can request a refund within 7 days of purchase

Ready to Join Us?

The course has 8 hours of high-value content that you can download and keep forever.

Register now, and if you don’t find the course useful within 7 days, you can request a refund.

1 payment - $347

$297

2 monthly payments - $177

2 x $157

The course goes beyond the buzzword "Neuroaffirming care." There was useful, practical information in every module.

Neuroaffirming has become a buzzword, but this training actually unpacks what it means from language and definitions through to assessment and treatment, and it’s backed by research throughout.

 I have an intake session tomorrow, and I’ll be putting what I’ve learned into practice with my neurodiverse clients. I’d recommend this course whether you’re new to neuroaffirming care or already experienced in it.

 

Orla Cogill

Orla Corgill, Therapist

Wicklow, Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

The course is geared toward psychotherapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and other helping professionals who want to feel confident working with neurodiverse clients. It is suitable for therapists who explicitly work with neurodiverse clients and those who do not.

This course helps ensure your practice is specifically neurodiversity-affirming.  It increases your awareness of when subtle normalization or deficit-based assumptions may still shape assessment or goals. The result is clearer clinical decisions that better reflect how neurodivergent clients understand themselves.

Yes. Many adults are neurodivergent without knowing it. Clients presenting with anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma may also be navigating unrecognized neurodevelopmental differences. This course strengthens your ability to  accurately assess and respond in ways that prevent misunderstandings, improving treatment outcomes.

No. You do not need to abandon your approach. You may adjust how you assess or interpret behavior, structure interventions, or set goals so they affirm neurodivergence rather than impose conformity. This strengthens your existing model and increases client trust and engagement.

That depends. Therapists often report clearer assessment, more aligned treatment goals, and greater confidence in distinguishing trauma from neurodevelopmental differences. Clients benefit from feeling understood rather than corrected.
If you’re unsure whether you’re being affirming when working with neurodiverse clients, taking the course will surely be of help.

Yes. The course integrates current research, trauma-informed care, and applied assessment and treatment strategies. You gain practical information that you can use immediately, grounded in evidence and ethical responsibility.

It’s both. The course has 8 hours of content. There are 7 pre-recorded core modules , 1 pre-recorded bonus module on working with children and adolescents, and one live webinar.

LIVE CHAT WITH AMY

Dates and Times of the Live Session
North America: May 20, 2026, 3-4pm PT /6-7pm ET

United Kingdom: May 20, 2026, 11pm – Midnight

Sydney, Australia: May 21, 2026, 8am-9am 

LIVE CHAT WITH AMY SESSION

Dates and Times of the Live Session

North America: May 20, 2026, 3-4pm PT /6-7pm ET

United Kingdom: May 20, 2026, 11 pm – Midnight

Sydney, Australia: May 21, 2026, 8am-9am 

The course has 7 hours of pre-recorded content and 1 live webinar for a total of 8 hours.

If you don’t receive value from the course after 7 days of registering, you can ask for your money back.

You can download your certificate for 8 hours of course content once you pass the short course quiz.

USA
NBCC – This program does not qualify for NBCC credit.

Canada
CECs – CCPA (Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association). CCPA will give CECs when you submit your certificate to them.
PD points – CRPO  (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario).  CRPO will give PD points when you submit your certificate to them.


Australia
ACA (Australian Counselling Association):
10 OPD (Ongoing Professional Development) points

PACFA (Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia):
8 hours of category A CPD

You will have access to the materials in the learning center for 180 days (6 months) from the date you signed up for the course.

However, you can download all materials and save them forever.

Raise Your Standard of Care

Neurodivergent clients deserve informed and affirming care. This course supports you in providing it. If you want to become more informed and more affirming with neurodiverse clients, we invite you to join us.

This course was practical and gave me tools I could implement right away.

Even with many years of experience working with neurodivergent clients, first in education and now in therapy, I found new ideas I could use with clients. I also found the trauma-informed aspect really helpful because neurodiversity and trauma often coexist in the clients I work with.

Since taking the course, I’ve already used some of the strategies with clients, including offering alternative ways to communicate and making small adjustments in the room. Both made a noticeable difference, and the clients were much more relaxed and more willing to engage.

Claire Devlin, Licensed Counsellor

Canberra, Australia

Join now

1 payment - $347

$297

2 monthly payments - $177

2 X $157

Take the course for a
test drive for 7 days.

If you don’t find value after 7 days, we’ll refund 100% of your fee.

Some courses feel underwhelming, but this one delivered more than I expected.

 The trainer’s lived and clinical experience grounded the course in real clinical situations and offered many practical ways of working with neurodivergent clients.

The course encouraged me to bring some of these questions into my intake process and pay closer attention to what clients may be experiencing but not expressing. 

In my work with military clients, ADHD comes up frequently, often with later-life diagnoses, where people are coming to terms with earlier life experiences and a lingering sense of disappointment. This course added to how I approach working with those clients.

This was a great learning experience with many concrete takeaways.

Michelle Redekop, Registered Psychologist

Calgary, Alberta

Register now...

1 payment - $347

$297

2 monthly payments - $177

2 X $157

still have questions?

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Mind Body Training Institute     All Rights Reserved     Disclaimer |   Privacy Policy

Mind Body Training Institute
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