Trauma-Informed, Neurodiverse-Affirming: 3 Powerful Sessions for Social Workers & Clinicians

Posted on 07/10/25 in Milestones Conference

Supporting autistic individuals often means navigating complex intersections of trauma, identity, and systemic barriers. At ConneXtion, we curated sessions that empower professionals like you to deliver affirming, effective care—grounded in real-world experience and evidence-based practices.

Whether you're a social worker, psychologist, nurse, or clinical support provider, these On-Demand sessions offer powerful insights that challenge outdated assumptions and help you build more meaningful, respectful relationships with autistic clients.

All three sessions and many more are available as part of our ConneXtion 2025 On-Demand library, with CEUs offered for professionals through NASW, OPA-MCE, OBN, and DoDD (where applicable).

Learn more about ConneXtion On-Demand

1. Radical Acceptance in Parenting: Building Relationships That Endure

Presenter: Reinhild Boehme, MSW, LISW-S
Session Submitted for: NASW, Clock Hours, Graduate Credit, OPA-MCE + Ethics, Nursing, OT, DoDD (EIS, EIC, IA, SSA, SI)

This powerful session explores how trauma, regulation, and relational repair intersect in the parent-child dynamic—and how professionals can support families in embracing a neurodiverse-affirming approach. Grounded in clinical experience and real world stories, Reinhild offers a hopeful and practical roadmap for caregivers, and the clinicians who serve them.

“When a parent learns to stay regulated—even when their child cannot—it opens up the possibility of true connection.”

2. Reframing the Double Empathy Problem

Presenter: Ann Liesen, Licensed Professional Counselor
Session Submitted for: NASW, Clock Hours, Graduate Credit, OPA-MCE, Nursing, OT, DoDD (IA, SSA, SI)

This session challenges the outdated myth that autistic individuals “lack empathy.” Instead, it introduces the concept of the Double Empathy Problem—the idea that empathy breakdowns are mutual, shaped by differences in lived experience and communication style. You’ll gain tools to better interpret and respond to emotional cues from autistic clients, while fostering mutual understanding in your practice.

“Empathy isn’t a deficit—it’s a mismatch.”

3. Autism + LGBTQ+ Identities: Inclusive Clinical Care

Presenter: K Pepera, MA, LPCC-S (Colors+ Counseling)
Session Submitted for: NASW, Clock Hours, Graduate Credit, OPA-MCE, Nursing, OT, DoDD (IA, SSA, SI)

Roughly 30% of autistic individuals also identify as LGBTQ+, yet their experiences are rarely centered in clinical practice. K Pepera shares concrete strategies for delivering intersectional, affirming care that recognizes the complex needs and strengths of this population. If you’re looking to improve trust, safety, and outcomes—this session is a must-watch.

Watch Anytime & Earn up to 22 CEUs

These sessions—and many more—are part of ConneXtion On-Demand, available anytime through September 30, 2025.

• Learn at your own pace
• Earn CEUs while expanding your perspective
• Access content made with and for the autistic community

Continuing Education Hours Key:

We have approvals from the following accrediting bodies for select sessions:

• CH: Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio (ESCNEO) (Education Clock Hours)
• GC: Graduate Credit Hours (Kent State University)
• NASW: National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• OT: Applied The Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (OTPTAT)*
• OPA-MCE + Ethics: Ohio Psychological Association (OPA-MCE)
• NURSING: Ohio Board of Nursing
• BCBA: Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)
• Department of Developmental Disabilities (DoDD)
  • EIS: EI Specialist/Support
  • EIC: EI Service Coord/Support
  • IA: Investigative Agent
  • SSA: SSA (Service & Support Administrator)
  • SI: Superintendent
• For Speech Language Pathology credits, please read this information.

* Pending Approval