Preferred registration deadline: April 2nd

3 CEs

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) represents a complex, neurodevelopmental profile that governs executive functioning, emotional regulation, and motivational dynamics. Historical clinical perspectives have largely relied on deficit-oriented diagnostic models, which often mischaracterize core ADHD traits as behavioral failures or lack of effort.

This workshop will provide participants with an updated, neurodiversity-affirming perspective when working with clients diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rather than focusing on deficit-based models, this workshop explores the cognitive and emotional experiences of ADHD through the lens of natural neurodevelopmental variation. Participants will examine common traits such as executive functioning variability, interest-based motivation, and time perception differences, and consider how these impact client identity and mental health. We will also address the emotional labor of masking, rejection sensitivity, and chronic invalidation. Participants will learn how to implement affirming, strengths-based strategies to support self-awareness, reduce internalized shame, and promote therapeutic collaboration.

This is an in-person workshop that will be held on Washington University’s Danforth Campus. The exact location and directions will be emailed to registered participants before the course date.

General Admission: $65**
**Eligible discounts can be applied during checkout.

Class size is limited to 30.

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Course Outline

Content Level: Intermediate

Target Audiences: Social workers, Clinical Social Workers, Counselors, and other Helping Professionals

Agenda:

• Introduction - 5 mins
• Beyond the Deficit Model: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Framework - 25 mins
• Understanding ADHD Cognitive Patterns and Needs - 35 mins
• The Emotional Landscape of ADHD - 35 mins
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment and Therapeutic Relationships - 30 mins
• Practical, Neurodiversity-Affirming Interventions - 35 mins
• Integration and Clinical Application - 15 mins

Learner Outcomes

• Differentiate between deficit-based and neurodiversity-affirming frameworks to promote more inclusive and accurate understanding of ADHD in counseling settings
• Describe how the overall cognitive profile of ADHD reflects natural neurodevelopmental variation, rather than disorder or dysfunction.
• Analyze the emotional impact of navigating a world not designed for ADHD brains, including effects on identity, mental health, and relationships.
• Apply clinical skills that validate client experiences, support self-understanding, and foster collaborative, strengths-based goal setting.

Course Completion Requirements:

• The Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, Professional Development, provider #2130, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/24/2025 – 9/24/2028. Social workers completing this course receive 3 clinical continuing education credits.
• The Brown School is also an approved provider of Social Work CEs in Missouri and Illinois.
• To earn ACE credit, attendees must arrive at the scheduled time, attend the entire course, and complete an online course evaluation. ACE credit is not provided for partial attendance.  However, you may still qualify for partial Social Work Missouri and Illinois CEs provided by the Brown School.
• Brown School CE Certificates will be available online within 10 business days of course completion by visiting your learner profile at https://ce.wustl.edu/portal/logon.do?method=load&parentSite=brown.  You will receive an email notification with specific instructions for accessing the online certificate when it is available. ACE CE Certificates, if requested in your evaluation survey, will be emailed within 10 business days of course completion.
• For more information about CEs, accessibility, refund/cancellation policy, our grievance policy, or other inquiries, please visit our About Us page or email brownprofdev@wustl.edu.