This comprehensive on demand webinar will delve into the nuanced ways social and interpersonal trauma impact Autistic and ADHD adults through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Participants will gain an understanding of the etiological and maintaining factors of mental health challenges for Autistic and ADHD individuals,  exploring and unpacking the impact of interpersonal and attachment trauma, prejudice and discrimination, various forms of social trauma such as bullying and exclusion, and other adversities experienced as a minority group. The training will discuss key areas such as masking, positive neurodivergent identity, the role of internalised phobias, and the importance of connection within the neurodivergent community. EMDR strategies across all 8 phases and other integrative approaches such as Schema Therapy, Ego State approaches, and somatic therapies will also be explored and discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical application. The training will also include self-reflective exercises, case discussions and Q and As.

Learning Outcomes Include:

• Participants will be able to identify and understand the etiological and maintaining factors of mental health challenges specific to Autistic and ADHD individuals.
• Participants will gain insights into how interpersonal and attachment trauma, as well as various forms of social trauma such as bullying and exclusion, impact Autistic and ADHD adults.
• Participants will learn about the effects of prejudice, discrimination, and other adversities experienced by Autistic and ADHD individuals as a minority group through the lens of the Minority Stress Model including consideration of Intersectionality. 
• Participants will explore the concepts of masking and positive neurodivergent identity, understanding their significance and impact on mental health.
• Participants will understand the role of internalized phobias and how they affect the mental health and well-being of Autistic and ADHD individuals.
• Participants will learn about the importance of connection within the neurodivergent community and its positive impact on mental health.
• Participants will acquire practical skills in applying EMDR strategies across all 8 phases, tailored to the needs of Autistic and ADHD clients in a neuroaffirming way.
• Participants will gain knowledge of integrating Schema Therapy, Ego State approaches, and somatic therapies for a comprehensive treatment approach.

Liam Spicer

Liam Spicer is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology, Psychologist, EMDR Consultant and Accredited Schema Therapist based in Lutruwita. Liam is an Autistic ADHDer himself, and is passionate about training, research, and collaboration with other neurodivergent individuals in the Neurodiversity Affirming Space. Liam is actively involved in both training and research in the areas of trauma, grief, neurodivergence, EMDR, and Schema Therapy, delivering workshops across Australia and online to various mental health professionals.

Liam has presented at both International and National conferences including  the International Society for Schema Therapy Conference in Europe, the EMDR Asia Conference, two years consecutively at the EMDR Australia Conference, and the Australasian ADHD Professionals Network Conference.

Liam has been a contributor to the Routledge International Handbook of Child and Adolescent Grief and has published in top academic journals such as Frontiers in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Research. Liam’s current PHD at Curtin University, Perth is focused on the use of Schema Therapy for Prolonged Grief, where he has published in the ISST bulletin on this topic.

Liam’s current PhD is focused on the use of Schema Therapy for Prolonged grief, and he has published journal articles and book chapters on grief in addition to presenting at national and international conferences. His interest in this area is derived from both professional and personal lived experience of loss.