Beyond Buzzwords: Demystifying Neurodiversity and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices [Recorded Course]

Course Number: ABIO2444

When: Available October 30, 2024 – October 30, 2029

Where: Course available under “Course Content” at the bottom of this page.

Description: We address the challenges of discussing autism with parents & caregivers while defining neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming practices. Participants will learn key traits of a ND-affirming provider and how to approach conversations with families. We identify the most important message to share with parents and caregivers following an autism diagnosis, fostering support and understanding.

Who This Course Is Good For:

Parents, teachers, and related professionals working with children of all neurotypes, including those with behavioral challenges.
Any ASHA member, CCC holder, or other professional licensed or credentialed to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology, or those preparing to earn ASHA CEUs.
Therapists and professionals interested in fostering connection, emotional safety, and supportive environments for all children.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in school-based, clinic, or private-practice settings who want to implement relational, connection-based approaches for both neurotypical and neurodiverse children.

Who This Course Isn’t Good For:

Any professional who does not currently work with any pediatric clients or plans to in the near future.

Presenters:

Venita Litvack, M.A, CCC-SLP (she/her)

Venita is an Assistive Technology (AT) Consultant in south Florida. She has a passion for using AAC, AT, and literacy to support individuals with complex communication needs, autism, and other disabilities. Venita has delivered poster presentations on several topics related to AAC at ASHA and co-presented several ASHA CEU accredited courses. Venita co-authored two articles published in ASHA Leader’s online publication, as well as the Lou Knows What to Do book series published by Boys Town Press. Recently, Venita started utilizing the power of social media to empower and motivate educators across the country through the Speechie Side Up podcast, blog, Instagram account, and YouTube channel.

Cari Ebert M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her)

Cari Ebert, MS, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist in the Kansas City, Missouri area. Cari is a therapist, consultant, author, product developer, and nationally recognized speaker who gets paid to do what she loves most—TALK! She has an animated personality, and this translates to a high-energy speaking style. Most importantly, Cari has an Autistic son, allowing her to engage audiences both as a professional and as a parent of a neurodivergent child.

Disclosure Statements

Venita Litvack has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: ownership interest in Speechie Side Up, LLC and Tassel Learning, LLC; royalties from the Lou Knows What to Do book series.

Venita Litvack has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: member of the ASHA Special Interest Group 12.

Cari Ebert has the following relevant financial relationships to disclose: Cari is author of “The Learning to Learn Program” which she will mention in this interview. Cari receives royalties from all book and product sales on her website. She is also being compensated for this presentation and may earn affiliate commissions from related products and services.

Cari Ebert has the following relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose: Cari has an Autistic son and shares personal experiences in this interview.

Learning Outcomes

As a result of this activity, participants will:

Describe 2 reasons why discussing autism with parents and caregivers can be challenging.
Define the terms neurodiversity and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
List at least 2 key traits of a neurodiversity-affirming provider.
Identify the most important message for parents and caregivers after receiving an autism diagnosis for their child.

Agenda

5 min	Introductions and Backgrounds
10 min	Challenges in Autism Discussions
10 min	Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices
15 min	Traits of Affirming Providers
10 min	Key Message for Parents
5 min	Helpful resources
5 min	References & closing remarks