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Social workers are serving more individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (2025), 1 in 31 children aged eight in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD occurs across all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups (CDC, 2025). In the past, the goal of therapists working with children on the Autism Spectrum was to help them manage their behavior and match their neurotypical peers developmentally (Wagland et al.,2025). However, this approach was not always successful (Wagland et. al., 2025). Now, social workers are expanding their practices to include neurodiversity-affirming techniques that acknowledge the strengths of individuals on the Autism Spectrum and are creating more inclusive and accepting environments (Wagland et al., 2025). During this interactive workshop, participants will learn about the characteristics, strengths, and challenges that children and adults on the Autism Spectrum face. A review of neurodiversity-affirming techniques used to support individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families will be described. Case studies and examples of successful neurodiversity-affirming techniques used by social workers will be highlighted, and participants will have the opportunity to practice. The goal of this workshop is for participants to leave with a toolbox of neurodiversity-affirming techniques to support individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will learn current research and criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) across racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic groups. Participants will be able translate this knowledge into an understanding of the characteristics, strengths, and challenges for neurodiverse individuals and their families.
Participants will learn about the history of neurodiversity-affirming practice and learn specific techniques that social workers can use to support individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families. Participants will leave with a toolbox of neurodiversity-affirming strategies to use in their own practices.
Participants will practice applying neurodiversity-affirming practices through case scenarios. Participants will leave understanding the strengths and opportunities for using neurodiversity-affirming techniques as social workers.