The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.

Summary:

Sensory Awareness and Self-Advocacy: Empowering Autistic Individuals towards Self-Actualization

This presentation will explore the foundational connection between sensory awareness, sense of self, and self-advocacy in enhancing the well-being of Autistic individuals. This talk seeks to equip occupational therapists and therapists with the knowledge to cultivate a sensory lens, crucial for supporting Autistic people. By addressing the challenges and barriers Autistic people often face in achieving sensory awareness, including the profound effects of traumatic invalidation on their sense of self, this presentation emphasizes the significance of understanding sensory experiences in forming a robust sense of self.

Acknowledging the impact of such invalidation illuminates the critical role therapists play in validating sensory experiences to support self-advocacy and empowerment. Participants will be guided through practical strategies to aid Autistic adults in articulating their sensory needs and preferences, thereby fostering self- advocacy and empowering them towards self-actualization. Incorporating lived experience, professional insights, and research findings, this session is designed to inspire and educate therapists on fostering sensory comprehension and advocacy skills in their practice, with a heightened awareness of the need for a trauma-informed approach .

After participating in this session, attendees should be able to:

• Identify and Describe Barriers to Sensory Awareness: Effectively identify and describe the common obstacles Autistic individuals encounter in recognizing and communicating their sensory experiences.
• Examine the Impact of Traumatic Invalidation on Sensory Awareness and Sense of Self: Explore and understand how experiences of traumatic invalidation related to sensory differences can affect Autistic individuals' sense of self and their sensory awareness. Develop strategies to support autistic individuals in overcoming these challenges, fostering a stronger, more positive sense of self-identity and empowerment.
• Facilitate Sensory Awareness Practices: Attendees will develop a toolkit of at least three exercises and interventions aimed at increasing Autistic individuals' sensory awareness, enabling them to better navigate their environments.
• Empower Self-Advocacy through Sensory Understanding: Through the presentation, attendees will learn to teach Autistic adults at least two self-advocacy strategies that leverage their sensory awareness, empowering them to seek accommodations and articulate their needs in personal and professional settings.

Presented and recorded at the Virtual Summit: Sensory Health in Autism June 12-14, 2024

Level: Introductory

Length: 1 hour

Timeframe for access: Once you first choose to "Launch" this course, you will have 45 days to access the content as often as you like. Your 45-day window for access will not begin until you first click the "Launch" button.

Presenter :

Megan Anna Neff, PhD
Clinical Psychologist

USA

Dr. Megan Anna Neff (She/They) is a neurodivergent Clinical Psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Additionally, she is co-host of the Divergent Conversations podcast.

As a late-diagnosed AuDHDer (Autistic ADHD), Dr. Neff applies their lived experiences from a cross-neurotype marriage and parenting neurodivergent children to their professional focus. They are committed to broadening the mental health field's understanding of autism and ADHD beyond traditional stereotypes. This personal-professional blend enriches their work and advocacy within neurodiversity.

Dr. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People and a forthcoming book on Autistic Burnout. Additionally, she has published in several peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from neurodivergence, place attachment, relational psychoanalysis, social psychology, and integration of spirituality into psychotherapy.

Passionate about distilling complex research into visually accessible formats, she translates research into visual pixels which you can find on her website, Instagram, and digital workbooks. Additionally, Dr. Neff is passionate about community building and creating digital communities by and for neurodivergent individuals.

Presenter Disclosure:

• Financial: Megan was paid an honorarium for this presentation and portions of the information presented were also used in other presentations for which she received honorariums.
• Non-Financial: Megan is autistic and has a family member who is also autistic. She is a member of Neurodivergent Insights group.
• There are no other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Instructional Methods:

PowerPoint Lecture , Q&A Session

Level:

Introductory

Who should attend:

Occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapists, speech language pathologists, educators, child development specialists, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers, and other individuals seeking a better understanding of Sensory Processing in Autism.

Cancellation Policy:

Because this program is recorded and accessible at your convenience, cancellations are not typically accepted. Please contact education@sensoryheatlh.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Do you have a disability that would require special accommodation?

Please contact us at education@sensoryhealth.org and describe how we can help accommodate your needs.

The views expressed in the following presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect those of STAR Institute.