Neurodivergence and Trauma
Learning Objectives
- Understand the Influence of Neurodivergence on Trauma: Recognise how neurodivergence affects the experience and processing of trauma.
- Identify Trauma Signs in Neurodivergent Individuals: Differentiate between trauma presentations in neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals.
- Apply Trauma-Informed Approaches: Implement effective support strategies tailored to neurodivergent individuals.
- Foster Resilience and Healing: Develop strategies that align with the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals to promote resilience and healing.
Content Note
- Lead with how you learn: Our aim is to make this online course as accessible as possible for all processing styles. To ensure different ways of thinking have been captured, we have blended detailed information with checklists, self-reflection exercises, and practical strategies that you can use immediately. You are encouraged to complete the activities using strategies that optimise how you learn and retain information.
- This is an educative module: The information presented in this training module is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose any medical conditions. The terminology and concepts discussed reflect the state of medical knowledge at the time of creating this content. Medical science is continuously evolving, and new research may lead to updates and changes in medical terminology and understanding. Upon completion of this module, you will not be authorised or qualified to diagnose any medical conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice and diagnosis.
- Approach this module like you will revisit it. As much as you can, try to let go of needing to complete every activity perfectly, as this will slow your progress. The function of any exercise is for you to self-assess your own understanding and translate into embedding these tools into your life. Please guard against doing the activities for the sake of doing them or treating each activity like an exam question. The activities are a tool to enable better understanding of the course content.
- Each time you revisit the module, you will gain new insights, so planning to revisit this module in advance will help you to avoid getting stuck. Even though there is immense benefit in attempting each activity, skipping to the next task is okay if you feel overwhelmed.
- Prepare for discomfort and triggering content. As you work through this module, you may discover new things about this topic, and this can evoke painful reminders and triggers.
- Treat yourself with extra care and kindness in these moments and remember to seek the help of a health professional if you feel too distressed. Work at your own pace to make sure this module works for you and remember that a lot of content is covered in the module.
Terminology Note
- The terminology used to describe or talk about neurodiversity is changing, driven largely by the research and the experience of neurodivergent communities.
- Within the written module we have chosen to use identity first language (autistic person) rather than person first (person with autism) as most neurodivergent people prefer this. Some videos or media in the course may use different language than the written content, so there is an opportunity to see which language you better identify with or understand.
To understand more about the impact of the words used to describe disabilities please read this blog article by Ann Memmott Ann’s Autism Blog: Appropriate Descriptions around Autistic People https://annsautism.blogspot.com/2021/07/ appropriate-descriptions-around.html