Empowering Clients to Embrace Their Autism, ADHD, & Queerness: An Introduction – 3CE
Abstract
In this workshop, Amanda invites you to join in a discussion of the ways that ADHD, Autism, and queerness contribute to experiences with masking, and therefore, to the process of unmasking. Amanda will discuss the ways that ADHD and Autism interact and contribute to masking. Special attention will be paid to the ways that gender and sexuality interact with AuDHD (Autistic and ADHD) masking and unmasking. Additional consideration will be paid to the role that privilege and intersectionality (e.g., race, religion, socioeconomic status, and more), play in unmasking. Amanda will introduce ways that clinicians can support clients on their unmasking journey by challenging internalised ableism, embracing queer and neurodivergent joy, connecting with community, and more. They will explore ways that masking interacts with gender expression and sexuality for 2SLGBTQIA+, cisgender, and heterosexual individuals. As well, ways that AuDHD and queer identities influence experiences with physical intimacy will be explored. Furthermore, they will discuss important considerations for ensuring clients are well supported throughout unmasking, and how to help clients identify and advocate for their support needs. This workshop will explore research, literature, Amanda’s lived experience as a queer and AuDHD Registered Psychologist, and community-based knowledge regarding queer and AuDHD experiences with unmasking. Opportunities for self-reflection will be provided throughout, and participants are encouraged to bring things to write and/or draw with if they would like to engage with these prompts in full. Discussion and sharing are encouraged throughout to contribute to a richer learning experience for everyone!
Intended Audience
The intended audience for this workshop is mental health professionals and paraprofessionals working alongside ADHD, Autistic, and queer folx in a mental health setting from a neuro affirming, queer affirming, and trauma informed approach. Additionally, this workshop may be beneficial for professionals who are ADHD, Autistic, and or queer themselves as it can provide insight into how we navigate the world as clinicians and how this can inform the work that we do with our clients. It is recommended that participants have an intermediate understanding of ADHD, Autism, and queerness as this workshop is not geared towards providing foundational education on what ADHD, Autism, and queerness are, but rather will serve as an introduction to ways that each of these experiences interacts with masking and unmasking.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what masking is within the context of ADHD, Autism, and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities.
- Identify the role that intersectionality and privilege play in masking, and how this interacts with how and if a client is safe to unmask.
- Understand why Autistics and ADHDers mask, and how this relates to code switching for queer individuals
- Understand the benefits and risks of prolonged masking, and the value masking can have when used intentionally and for short periods of time.
- Understand the benefits and risks of unmasking.
- Identify ways to help clients unmask Autism, ADHD, and 2SLGBTQIA+ identities.
- Understand internalised ableism and how to help clients address this.
- Understand the nuances involved in unmasking within the context of gender and sexuality.
- Examine the importance of supporting Autistic, ADHD, and 2SLGBTQIA+ clients from an intersectional lens.
- Be prepared to connect clients with literature, resources, and community supports related to ADHD, Autism, and 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences.
Presenter
Amanda Montey | R.Psych
Amanda Montey (they/them) is a Registered Psychologist who works with kids, teens, and adults who are, or suspect they are ADHD and/or Autistic. Within these populations, Amanda works extensively with folks from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, often helping clients to navigate the unique circumstances presented by the ways that sexuality, gender identity, and neurotype can interact. Amanda is ADHD, Autistic, non-binary, and queer, and they believe in drawing from their lived experience in combination with the available research, best practices, and experiences of community members to help folks meaningfully understand how best to accommodate their unique needs. Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with their spouse and their cats, playing video games, crocheting, and playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends.
Cancellation and Refunds
Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA office. Cancellations received fourteen (14) days prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee. PAA reserves the right to cancel any activity, in which case a full refund of the registration fee will be provided.
Continuing Education Credits
The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for three (3.0) hours of CE Credit. Full attendance at the workshop is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded, and late arrivals or early departure will preclude awarding of Continuing Education Credits. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.
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