Neurodiversity:  Beyond a Paradigm Shift

Neurodiversity acknowledges neurocognitive variations among individuals that influence learning, behavior, and socialization.  When individuals present with differences in brain function, they may process information and interpret the environment in a way that the general public does not; this may present many challenges.  This course strives to inform and transform how clinicians and educators engage individuals who identify as neurodiverse.  Principles of neurodiversity may be applied to many populations such as Autism, ADHD and Tourette's Syndrome, among other diagnoses.  Through a series of interactive experiences designed to promote awareness of the specific concerns of neurodiverse people, participants will learn strategies for listening and communicating with neurodiverse people. Participants will have the opportunity to investigate their own biases and assumptions about their role in the lives of the people they serve as they seek to refine their approaches to greater equity and collaboration with neurodiverse people. Participants will come away with an appreciation for unique challenges neurodiverse individuals face and the need for highly differentiated approaches to living, including education, support, and treatment of neurodiverse individuals.    

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Discuss diagnoses included in the Neurodiverse Movement
• Outline the unique needs of neurodiverse people
• Describe the person-centered approach of neurodiversity and implications for service delivery
• Identify personal and professional attitudes toward the education and treatment of neurodiverse people that may need to be modified

Presenter:  Carol Ann Blank, Ph.D., LPC, LCAT, MT-BC
Dr. Blank has over 20 years of experience facilitating and managing music therapy programs. She holds aPh.D. in Creative Arts Therapy and is a Board-Certified Music Therapist. Carol Ann is also a dually LicensedProfessional Counselor and Creative Arts Therapist. She is a Level II Certified Music Together teacher. As theManager of Research and Special Needs Services at Music Together Worldwide, Carol Ann provides education,training, and mentoring to Music Together® licensees and teachers nationally and internationally. She is alsoresponsible for implementing the Music Together program models for Music Together teachers, center directors,and preschool program providers. Carol Ann owns Music Therapy Services of Central New Jersey. She utilizesMusic Therapy to address trauma, grief, depression, substance use, or issues related to dying. Her clinicalbackground includes serving individuals with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Co-Occurring Disorders, Mood Disorders,Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Schizophrenia as well as patients in cardiac rehabilitation and thoseundergoing cancer treatments. Carol Ann has worked with children, adolescents, adults and older adultsfacilitating individual, group and family sessions. Carol Ann has an extensive portfolio of presentations andpublications including Clinical Decision-Making in Music Therapy. 

CE's: 
NJ and PA Credentials:
5 Clinical or Social & Cultural Competence CE's are approved for NJ LCSW/LSW/LPC/LAC/LCADC/ CADC/LMFT and similar PA credentials via approval issued by NASW-NJ.  

This course, "Neurodiversity: Beyond a Paradigm Shift", Approval #202210-2341, provided by Behavioral HealthMatters is approved for continuing education by the New Jersey Social Work Continuing Education ApprovalCollaborative, which is administered by NASW-NJ. CE Approval Collaborative Approval Period: November 25, 2020 through August 31, 2022. New Jersey social workers will receive 5 Clinical or Social &
Cultural Competence CE credits for participating in this course.

NY Social Workers:
Behavioral Health Matters, LLC is recognized by the NY State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0443. 

TO REGISTER: 
Click on the "Register" button below.  You will be prompted to enter your information then you will be directed 
to a PayPal page for payment.  Click on the grey button to pay with "credit or debit card" or may use your own PayPal account to make a payment.  If you have any questions or trouble registering,please call 908.300.8532 or email:  contact@behavioralhealthmatters.com.  

Remote Access Information:  Log-in links will be sent to participants that complete the registation process.  Access codes are only for the registered party.    

Thank you!

Register