Working with Neurodivergent Systems - Full 2024 Ethics and Integrity Series

Session 1: Ethics of Treating Neurodivergent Children and Families

Presenter Katie Jo Glaves, LMFT, CMHS, is a family therapist at Protean Wellness, working with ages 3-18 and their parents. They specialize in work with behavioral problems, autism/developmental disabilities and anxiety, in addition to those facing fertility and parenting challenges. She has provided numerous trainings and publications emphasizing client autonomy among those with ASD and gender-diverse communities.

Session Description Due to the rapid increase in appropriate diagnosis of neurodivergence in previously under-diagnosed children, clinicians are seeing more openly neurodivergent children and their families. Neurodivergent children have complex needs and ethics dilemmas frequently emerge. Questions such as “Can this intellectually disabled 15 year old client meaningfully consent therapy?” “What happens when parents have goals for a child that the child does not share?” “If more than one family member has unique needs due to neurodivergence, how do I ethically navigate that intersection?” “What do I do if a parent wishes to pursue a therapy that lacks an evidence base or even may be harmful to the child?”. These ethical questions defy simplistic answers. This presentation will orientate you think through the ethical values (autonomy, dignity, nonmaleficence, humility) that can guide ethical decision making with this complex population.

Learning Objectives: As a result of this session participants will

• Identify 4 ethical principles relevant to working with neurodivergent children, teens and families and be able to name one way to apply each principle to  this population.
• Participants will also be able to state 3 ways in which ND children, teens and families are vulnerable to unethical conduct and ways to compensate and correct as therapists to reduce vulnerability

 Session 2: Navigating Neurodiversity in Sex Therapy: Ethical Considerations and Alternative Approaches

Presenter Description Erika Miley, PhD, LMHC, CST, is a passionate advocate for inclusive and ethical sex therapy practices. With expertise in neurodiversity and sexual health, Dr. Miley combines research and clinical experience to challenge traditional approaches. Her work emphasizes tailored interventions that prioritize client well-being and promote sexual empowerment for all individuals.

Session Description

This presentation delves into the ethical considerations surrounding sex therapy for neurodivergent clients, highlighting the inadequacies of traditional neurotypical approaches. It explores the necessity for tailored psychoeducation, assessment methods, and therapeutic interventions to address the unique needs and experiences of neurodivergent individuals in the realm of sexuality. Through a critical examination of sensate focus therapy and its adaptations, attendees will gain insights into the ethical challenges faced when designing interventions that prioritize inclusivity and effectiveness. The session also emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying principles driving ethical practice in sex therapy, encouraging clinicians to adopt holistic approaches that prioritize client well-being and autonomy.

Learning Objectives: As a result of this session

• Participants will gain an understanding of the ethical considerations involved in providing sex therapy to neurodivergent clients.
• Participants will learn alternative approaches to traditional sex therapy techniques that are tailored to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals.

Session 3: Balancing Intersectional Neurodivergent Identities Panel

Presenters

• Marissa Stein (they/them) is a WA State Licensed Mental Health Counselor, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and Nationally Certified Counselor. They benefit from white privileve, are an agender, neuroqueer, kinky, queer, disabled, animist, and magical practitioner. Their work is  neuro-inclusive, anti-saneist, and is informed by liberation psychology, feminist, and queer theory.
• Jack Duroc-Danner M.A.Ed. CSE LMT (They/He/Ze) is a queer Autistic sexuality educator. They have been working as a sexuality educator and autism advocate for six years and are an AASECT certified sexuality educator. Jack works with therapists as well as other professionals, parents/caregivers, and Autistic individuals on how to support Autistic individuals by providing consultations (one-on-one as well as group consultation), resources, and educational workshops on the intersection of human sexuality and autism. Jack also works as a massage therapist specializing in pregnancy and pediatric massage. They have been working as a massage therapist for eight years.
• Anthony (he/him/el) earned his Doctorate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Antioch University New England in 2022 and his Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Drexel University in 2012 and is a licensed marriage and family therapist and approved supervisor through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). He is currently the Chair of the Couple and Family Therapy department at Antioch University-Seattle. Anthony has extensive experience in working with individuals, couples and families including Neurodiversity in children and is the Executive Director of the Colibri Center for Systemic Training & Development. In addition, he is the creator of SFT for ASD, a systemic model designed to treat children who have autism and their families.
• Sarah Dailey (she/they) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an extensive background providing supervision, mentorship, training, and coaching, with particular specialties working with individuals within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, marginalized and underserved communities, and those who have experienced trauma. In addition to supervision and mentorship, they offer consultation and training to individuals and groups/organizations on a variety of topics including cultural competency,      de- escalation, communication and conflict, change management, and trauma-informed care.

Session Description a panel discussion, moderated by Sarah Dailey, MA, LMFT, titled, “Balancing Intersectional Neurodivergent Identities.” Panelists included three clinicians who identify as neurodivergent and other minority identities based on their gender, sexuality, and race: Marissa Stein, MA, LMHC, CST, NCC; Jack Duroc-Danner, MAEd, CSE; and Anthony Pennant, PhD, LMFT. Questions for the panel were rooted in ethical self-disclosure of the clinician/professional, self-reflective considerations, managing privilege related to neurodivergence, and how to practice historical and cultural mindfulness treatment toward people with neurodivergent minds.

Learning Objectives As a result of this session participants will:

• Be able to identify two ethical considerations regarding intersecting identities including neurodivergence.
• Be able to give an example question or feedback statement to constructively and compassionately confront when individuals/systems speak of  neurodivergence from a position of privilege.

Session 4: Ethical Considerations in Client Self-Diagnosis and Social Media Influence.

Presenter Melinda is located in Issaquah and runs her private practice, Bold Living Counseling PPLC with her certified therapy dog Kieva. She works with ages 13 and up and specializes in ADHD, perinatal support, anxiety, depression, life transitions and more. She loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking, camping ,and mountain biking. She also enjoys baking, legos, reading, and spending time with her family.

Session Description In this presentation, we will be addressing - The ethics of neurodiversity in terms of scope of practice - Navigating self-diagnosis and social media with clients - Addressing truths, half-truths, misinformation, correlations (not necessarily causations) about social media symptoms and diagnosis criteria with clients in a helpful and productive way - Exploring legal and ethical aspects of an “unofficial diagnosis” - Exploring the pros and cons of social media information/ misinformation and ethical implications for neurodivergent populations - Examining ethical risks for therapists on social media platforms and having a social media presence.

Learning Objectives As a result of this session 

• Participants will be able to demonstrate proficiency in applying legal and ethical frameworks to navigate scope of practice considerations when working with neurodivergent populations.
• Participants will gain fluency in navigating clients' self-diagnoses by effectively balancing professional, ethical, and systemic perspectives while simultaneously fostering rapport with the client.
• Participants will develop acumen in critically assessing social media content related to neurodivergent populations, enabling them to discern accurate information from misinformation and present evidence-based findings to clients.
• Participants will develop awareness in ethical considerations and risks associated with maintaining a social media presence.