Training In CBT & Other Evidence-Based Psychological Therapies
Introduction
Children and young people with diagnoses of neurodevelopmental conditions like Autism, ADHD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Specific Learning Difficulties are more likely to experience co-occurring mental health difficulties and present to services which support the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Clinicians working within these services therefore need to consider inclusive practice to ensure these young people can access appropriate care, and the assessments and interventions we provide in such services need to be meaningfully adapted, so these young people are able to be effectively engaged and benefit from appropriate support.
In recent years, the neurodiversity movement has guided clinicians in this field to better listen to and collaborate with these children and young people, considering their growing identities as neurodivergent people, and informing the idea of ‘neuro-affirmative practice’ which we will also explore further. The workshop will be facilitated by two experienced clinicians who work extensively with neurodivergent children and young people, as well as regularly train mental health clinicians and conduct research in this area.
The event will be equivalent to 2.3/4 hrs of CPD.
Content
This workshop will present current knowledge concerning neurodevelopmental conditions and associated practical tips to help participants adopt an evidence-based and neuro-affirmative approach in adapting their professional practices when working with neurodivergent children and young people. We will share vignettes from current clinical practice and share the voice of children and young people through videos and narrative accounts. We will present several case examples and encourage participants to bring examples from their own practice, for us to learn about common difficulties as well as ideas and facilitators when working with neurodivergent children and young people.
Learning Objectives
• Improve understanding of current evidence concerning neurodevelopmental conditions
• Learn and apply reasonable adjustments to improve accessibility for neurodivergent children and young people
• Learn and apply adaptations to therapeutic practice for neurodivergent children and young people
• Consider and apply neuro-affirmative language and approaches
Training Modalities
Didactic content, videos, polls, case discussions, Q&A.
Key References
Brice, S. et al (2021). The importance and availability of adjustments to improve access for autistic adults who need mental and physical healthcare. BMJ Open;11:e043336.
Cooper K, Loades ME, Russell AJ. Adapting Psychological Therapies for Autism – Therapist Experience, Skills and Confidence. Res Autism Spectr Disord. 2018 Jan 1;45:43-50.
Good practice guide: For professionals delivering talking therapies for autistic adults and children (2021) National Autistic Society at https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/news/adapt-mental-health-talking-therapies
Neurodivergence: Change, complexity and challenge (2024) Special Issue of The Psychologist. Jan/Feb 2024. At https://cms.bps.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-01/psy0124shop.pdf
Russell, A., Jassi, A., and Johnston, K. (2019). OCD and autism: A clinician’s guide to adapting CBT. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
About the presenter
Dr Sarah Glew is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked within the neurodevelopmental field across her career. This has recently included leading an early intervention therapeutic pathway for autistic teenagers in CAMHS in Hackney and working in local and national specialist neurodevelopmental diagnostic teams. Sarah is also a Lecturer and Clinical Tutor on the University of Surrey Clinical Doctorate, where she teaches and supervises research on areas relating to neurodivergence and child mental health. Sarah was part of a small team guest editing a special edition of the British Psychological Society’s ‘The Psychologist’ magazine in January 2024, centring on contemporary practice, debates and expert-by-experience voices in the field of neurodivergence. She continues to develop her own neuroaffirmative therapeutic style and regularly teaches and trains other professionals around neuroaffirmative ideas and working with neurodivergent young people.
Dr Ashley Liew is a Consultant Paediatric Neuropsychiatrist at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital as well as at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. His clinical and academic interests are in the care of children and young people with neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions co-occurring with neurological conditions. Ashley is Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham and has national leadership and advisory roles at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, NHS England, NICE and Health Education England.
Who should attend
Any clinicians working therapeutically with children and young people with neurodevelopmental / neurodivergent conditions in health, education or social care. This may include primary care low and high intensity practitioners, psychologists, nurse therapists, counsellors, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and social workers.