Full Course Description

Changing the ADHD Brain: Moving Beyond Medication

Many of our clients diagnosed with ADHD prefer not to take medication. There are various reasons for this including side effects and concerns with long-term use. In this training, you’ll learn more about these concerns, as well as alternative interventions for ADHD.

Viewing ADHD from a developmental perspective, we will consider the apparent increase in ADHD diagnoses over the past two decades. By understanding the way brains with and without ADHD function, you’ll be able to better identify a variety of neurodivergent-affirming strategies to significantly impact the nervous system and better manage ADHD symptoms in your clients.

Not only will you walk away with updates about evidence-based non-medication interventions for ADHD such as computerized cognitive training, mindfulness meditation, and neurofeedback, you’ll also learn a variety of practical strategies that you and your clients can implement immediately and at low cost.

We’ll navigate the vast research on exercise, movement, diet, sleep, disruptive technologies, supplements, and the impact of the environment on ADHD, summarizing the findings and applying the information to “real life”. You will finish this training with the tools and knowledge to develop a holistic approach to working with adults and children with ADHD.

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate the relationship between the frontal lobe of the brain and ADHD symptomology for the purpose of client psychoeducation.
Determine the impact of movement and exercise on the reduction of ADHD symptoms as it relates to assessment and treatment planning.
Employ treatment interventions for improving impulse control and working memory in clients.
Analyze the influence of diet and nutrition on ADHD symptoms in relation to assessment and treatment planning.
Develop clinical strategies to calm the nervous system of clients diagnosed with ADHD.
Assess the clinical implications of environmental influences on ADHD symptoms in clients.

Outline

Why Not Medication?

Useful as a short-term tool
Concerns with long-term use
Limitations and risks

ADHD and Brain Differences

Brain imaging evidence of ADHD
Research regarding ADHD brain development
Frontal lobes mature more slowly in the ADHD brain
Excess theta brainwaves
Implications for treatment

Neurodiversity Revolution

Bottom up, top down interventions
Wake up an underaroused ADHD brain
Hyperactivity as an adaptive mechanism
The impact of play and exercise on the brain
Role of rhythm and timing training

Frontal Lobe/Working Memory Strategic Tools

Use it or lose it: Increase memory, attention and focus
Computerized cognitive training programs
Meditation and mindfulness for ADHD
Neurofeedback

Nutrition and Brain Health

The impact of sugars, fats, proteins and water
Diet and dopamine
Omega supplementation and ADHD symptoms
Multivitamins/minerals: Do they make a difference?
Gluten, food additives and pesticides

ADHD and Anxiety

”Overaroused” subtype of ADHD
Stress, anxiety and ADHD: the connection
Breathwork and movement for nervous system calming

Environmental Influences

Media plan
Video games and social media
Sleep deprivation
ADHD look a likes
Environmental toxins
The impact of time in nature on ADHD symptoms

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Teachers
School Administrators
Addiction Counselors
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Nurses
Physicians
Other Helping Professionals who Work with Children

Copyright : 10/18/2024

ADHD, Executive Functioning, and Health Outcomes

Long-term consequences of untreated childhood ADHD is associated with increased risks for substance abuse, poor health/hygiene practices, accidental/self-inflicted injuries, antisocial activities, violent crimes, reactive aggression, intimate partner violence as well as suicide across the lifespan.

That is because ADHD is a disorder of executive functioning (EF) that undermines human self-regulation.

In this session, view internationally renowned ADHD expert Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., as you discover the evidence that justifies alarm at the substantial adverse impact ADHD poses for long-term quality of life and reduced life expectancy. You’ll learn:

Why ADHD is a disorder of EF and how it undermines self-regulation
How ADHD predisposes one to engage in countless adverse health and lifestyle activities daily
Modified approaches to clinical management of ADHD

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a legend in the ADHD field!

Program Information

Objectives

Evaluate ADHD as a disorder of EF and how it undermines self-regulation to inform client assessment and treatment.
Determine how ADHD impairs major domains of life activities such as educational, family, peer, and occupational functioning.
Investigate the evidence that supports the adverse impact ADHD poses on various health and medical problems, long-term quality of life, and reduced life expectancy.
Utilize the implications of these findings to revise current approaches to clinical management of ADHD.

Outline

ADHD as a disorder of EF and how it undermines self-regulation
How ADHD impairs major domains of life activities such as educational, family, peer, and occupational functioning
Evidence that supports the adverse impact ADHD poses on various health and medical problems, long-term quality of life, and reduced life expectancy
Implications to current approaches to clinical management of ADHD

Target Audience

Counselors
Educators/Teachers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Physicians
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Psychologists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Social Workers

Copyright : 11/10/2022

ADHD and Executive Function Strategies: Helping Children Thrive at Home, in Therapy, and in School

Supporting children and teens with ADHD and executive function differences requires more than behavioral plans- it requires understanding the social and emotional impact these challenges have on learning, motivation, behavior, and the whole family system to provide collaborative support across home, school, and therapeutic settings.

In this strategy-rich seminar, you’ll gain practical, research-informed tools that help you nurture skills like impulse control, emotional regulation, task initiation, and learning readiness – while honoring the child’s neurotype and supporting their autonomy and sense of self.

You’ll also learn how to coach parents and educators to shift from compliance-focused responses to approaches grounded in connection, consistency, and curiosity – reducing power struggles and helping children thrive in environments where they feel safe, understood, and supported.

By blending neuroscience, executive function coaching, and regulation strategies, this training offers a flexible, easy-to-implement framework for professionals working in schools, clinics, or family systems. Leave with tools that respect the whole child reduce stress for families and providers, and promote meaningful, sustainable growth.

Purchase today!

Program Information

Objectives

Identify how neurodiversity-affirming approaches differ from traditional behaviorist models in supporting children with ADHD within their daily occupations of play, school, and self-care.
Examine how executive function challenges impact children’s ability to engage in learning, task initiation, self-regulation, and participation in routines.
Choose brain-based, trauma- and sensory-informed strategies that promote co-regulation, attention, and self-monitoring to enhance occupational performance.
Restructure challenging behaviors as forms of communication and apply strategies that strengthen participation in school, home, and peer contexts.
Integrate environmental and strengths-based tools that increase predictability, reduce stress, and support engagement in academic, social, and daily living activities.
Utilize collaborative coaching methods to guide caregivers and educators in shifting from compliance-based responses to connection-focused support that fosters children’s occupational success.

Outline

ADHD, Executive Function & Behavior

Neurodiversity-affirming insights into ADHD and executive function differences
How neurodevelopmental wiring affects learning, emotional regulation, and focus
Common myths that contribute to shame and mislabeling
The role of stress, emotional overload, and nervous system dysregulation
Limitations of the research and potential risks

Promote Attention, Organization & Task Success

Create environments that support predictability, regulation, and success
Tools for scaffolding memory, planning, and task completion
Strategies to boost engagement, motivation, and initiation without pressure
Support classroom participation and homework routines through executive function strategies
Experiential learning: Regulation simulation

Emotional Regulation & Strength-Based Behavior Support

Responsive approaches to emotional intensity and dysregulation
Help kids develop self-awareness, self-monitoring, and confidence
Co-regulation strategies that build trust and safety
Apply regulation supports to daily occupations like play, transitions, and self-care
Hands-on learning: Co-regulation activities

Collaborative Coaching for Parents and Educators

Guide adults to better understand and support neurodivergent learners
Build routines and rituals that offer security, not control
Reframe “challenging” behavior as communication
Help caregivers shift from frustration to empathy and empowered partnership
Address the limitations and risks of purely behaviorist models
Group work: Brain breaks to support learning and emotional regulation

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Speech-language Pathologists
Teachers
School Administrators
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Nurses
Other Helping Professionals Who Work with Children

Copyright : 10/28/2025

ODD, ASD, ADHD & Mood Disorders: Over 50 Techniques for Children & Adolescents

It’s guaranteed… this training will guide you through focused, clear and successful methods for treating children. You will walk away with evidence-based techniques that will not only re-energize your practice but also help your clients to:

Decrease:

Aggression
Distractibility
Impulsivity
Over-Activity
Sensory Sensitivity
Irritability/Temper Tantrums
Hopelessness
Panic/Anxiety

Increase:

Effective Communication
Self-Control
Coping with Environmental Change & Transitions
Task-Focus & Persistence
Empathy & Remorse
Respect
Social Skills

Jennifer Wilke-Deaton, M.A., L.P.A., national speaker, expert and author will teach you more than 50 techniques that can quickly improve the lives of children and adolescents with ODD, ASD, ADHD and mood disorders. Learn how to troubleshoot and adapt techniques for preschool through high school aged kids through real-life case studies, video/audio clips, reproducible client-friendly worksheets, and step-by-step directions for every intervention. Jen’s passion, caring, humor, and time-tested approaches will make this training fly by! You will leave invigorated and empowered to treat the top childhood disorders.

Program Information

Objectives

Utilize over 50 proven techniques for working with kids with behavioral issues, high-functioning ASD, ADHD and mood disturbance.
Recommend how to promote “whole brain” change in children with verbal processing and auditory learning issues.
Develop tools for daily mindfulness and self-regulation practice.
Apply strategies to develop life skills for a wide variety of emotional disturbances and behavioral problems.
Implement strategies for treating intolerance, anxiety and impulsivity.
Dissect how to reduce power struggles & anger through CBT and validation techniques.

Outline

DSM-5® Updates & Making Effective Treatment and Academic Goals for:

ODD/CD
ASD
ADHD
Anxiety/Depression
Trauma
Substance Abuse

The Brain-Behavior Connection

Executive Functioning
Auditory Processing
Emotion Regulation
Sensory-Motor

Proven Treatment Techniques for ODD

Environmental support to increase autonomy
Self Regulation to decrease arousal states
Reverse aggression and inattention caused by technology and video games
Promote healthy brain function with structured daily living practices
Reduce power struggles and anger through CBT and validation techniques
Foster positive peer involvement & altruism
…and more

Proven Treatment Techniques for ASD

Group and individual techniques for developing social skills of:
- Improved prosody
- Appropriate eye contact
- Awareness of personal space
- Effective use of gesture and posture
- Redirection from preoccupational interests
- Coping with transitions

Proven Treatment Techniques for ADHD

Reduce excessive movement and climbing
Improve executive functioning and attention to detail
Develop an effective teaching/learning environment
Promote fluid task shifting
Develop “whole-brain” problem-solving skills
Boost sensory regulation
Effectively advocate for seating assignment, home/classwork planning, and task fatigue
…and more

Proven Treatment Techniques for Anxiety/Depression/Trauma

Inoculate anxiety in high pressure situations with behavioral tools
Facilitate anxiety control and decrease escapism at school and home
Reverse lethargy and withdrawal through CBT techniques
Increase distress tolerance skills utilizing sensory tools and imagery
Nurture mindfulness skills and prevent hopelessness and worthlessness
Prioritize worries for mindfulness practice through narrative activities and engagement of acceptance and commitment
Create hands-on tools for decreasing sensory sensitivity
Teach body awareness

Target Audience

Counselors
Psychologists
Social Workers
Psychotherapists
Therapists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Teachers
School Guidance Counselors
Case Managers
Speech-Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Educational Paraprofessionals
School Administrators
Nurses
Other Helping Professionals who Work with Children

Copyright : 03/06/2024

Treating Adult ADHD: Help Smart but Scattered Clients Strengthen Executive Skills & Daily Functioning

Many adults with ADHD face significant challenges in completing college, maintaining employment, advancing in their careers, and cultivating fulfilling relationships.

Even the most motivated clients find themselves struggling to follow through on the necessary changes that would enhance their well-being. They recognize the need for change, understand what needs to be done, and may even take a few initial steps…

However, their progress often plateaus or falters, not due to resistance or unwillingness, but rather due to weak executive skills.

Watcj Dr. Dawson on a captivating journey into cutting-edge neuroscience on executive functioning and gain practical strategies to support your ADHD clients in overcoming the barriers posed by weak executive skills.

Through engaging discussions and interactive learning, you will explore the underlying mechanisms of executive skills and their impact on daily functioning. Unlock the potential for true and lasting change as you learn to:

Assess executive skill strengths and weaknesses in your clients effectively
Develop realistic action plans tailored to individual needs and goals in any setting or situation
Direct clients on the best way to restructure their environment to reduce the impact of weak executive skills
Implement practical strategies to enhance executive functioning in daily life
Empower clients to overcome obstacles and maintain progress on their journey

By the end of the day, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide your clients towards significant improvements in their executive skills and overall well-being.

Help them break free from the limitations of weak executive skills and empower them to thrive in college, work, relationships, and all aspects of their lives!

Program Information

Objectives

Outline the key role executive skills play in understanding adults with ADHD.
Compare and contrast assessment tools to determine clients’ profiles of executive skill strengths and weaknesses.
Recommend the best way for client’s to restructure their environment to reduce the impact of weak executive skills.
Design a realistic change plan that enables ADHD clients to improve executive skills in situations and settings they identify as problematic.
Discuss effective strategies ADHD clients can use to cope with executive skill challenges in the workplace, the home and in relationships.
Identify tools to enhance 12 executive skill domains.

Outline

Unlocking the Executive in the Adult Brain

How the brain’s “control center” governs executive skills
The impact of ADHD on frontal lobe functioning
How effective behavior change revolves around executive skills

Must-Have Assessment Tools

Executive skills questionnaire
Workplace assessment tools
Home management tools
Rating scales

The Relationship Between Executive Skills and ADHD

Executive skills profiles of ADHD adults
Foundational ADHD skills vs advanced skills
The impact of ADHD on behavior
Effect of mismatched profiles on relationships
When one partner has ADHD

Proven Strategies to Support Executive Skill Development and Behavior Change

Environmental modifications to adapt new behaviors
How to set realistic goals with clear action plans
The ideal length of time for practice sessions
Essential components for making lasting change
Cognitive rehearsal strategies to overcome roadblocks
Evidence-based strategies to avoid procrastination and increase focus

Putting Together an Effective Client-Centered Executive Skills Intervention Plan

In the Workplace
- 12 executive skills that impact productivity and behavior change
- Make a SMART goal
- Use a deadline
- Make a plan
- The importance of clear start dates
- Technology to support behavior change
In the Home
- Logical ways to share the work load
- Understand the start point
- Start small, build incrementally
- Practice, practice, practice
- Use visible reminders
- Motivators
In Relationships
- How different profiles signal tension points in relationships
- Keys to resolve conflicts arising from executive skill differences
- The liberal use of humor, patience, forgiveness, negotiation
- Use self-talk to motivate, problem solve, and persist
- The power of positivity

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Psychotherapists
Therapists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Case Managers
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physicians

Copyright : 09/12/2025

Treating Trauma in Neurodiverse Clients: Affirming and Culturally Inclusive Healing for Clients with Autism, ADHD & More

Healing from trauma is a challenging journey, and when neurodiversity is involved, the path can become even more complex.

Many clinicians feel underprepared to navigate this rocky terrain where it’s essential to align with each client’s unique communication and processing styles to guide them forward on their journey toward healing.

Without specialized skills, even your best efforts with traditional trauma interventions may fail these clients who so desperately need your help.

This course, led by Dr. Brandi Walker – a respected clinician, researcher, and advocate - offers you the essential knowledge and tools you need to address the nuanced needs of clients with autism, ADHD, AuDHD and other neurodivergences with confidence.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and how it influences the treatment of trauma. Dr. Walker’s expertise will guide you through tailored approaches to assessment, intervention, and culturally responsive care for clients facing diverse and interwoven needs.

This is your opportunity to become a specialist in trauma-informed neurodiversity care and build a toolkit of actionable skills to enhance your practice. Learn to:

Confidently use neurodiversity-affirming and culturally-responsive diagnostic approaches
Identify and confidently support sensory needs, verbal and non-verbal communication styles, co-regulate intense emotions, and address executive skills needed for post-traumatic growth
Choose values-driven, strength-based interventions that honor each client’s context and foster healing and resilience
Adapt CPT, Trauma-Focused CBT, Prolonged Exposure, Neurolinguistics, Written Exposure Therapy, and EMDR to meet the unique needs of clients with autism or ADHD
Address the nuanced needs of neurodiverse clients from BIPOC communities, military families, and underserved populations with greater precision and compassion

Purchase now!

Program Information

Objectives

Identify how sub-identities and contextual factors intersect with Neurodiverse presentations and exacerbate comorbid symptoms.
Differentiate specific screening/assessment techniques that give consideration to intersectionality of Autism or ADHD, and PTSD.
Identify evidence-based interventions that are most appropriate for addressing neurodiversity and co-occurring conditions.
Determine the unique challenges of special neurodiverse populations, including Refugees & Immigrants, BIPOC communities, Asians impacted by the Model Minority stereotype, and Military Service Members.
Identify ways to ensure treatment is culturally relevant and authentically value-based, non-stigmatizing, and family-community inclusive.
Evaluate case study examples and scenarios that highlight neurodiverse complexities when co-occurring conditions are persistent.

Outline

Update

Neurodiversity and Trauma Across the Lifespan
Neurobiology of autism and ADHD
Trauma and the neurodiverse brain
Developmental stages and impact of neurodiverse conditions
Contextual factors, intersectionality, and co-morbidities
Case studies

Multi-Faceted Assessment and Treatment Planning

Trauma symptoms vs neurodiversity
DSM5-TR™ and Autism, ADHD, PTSD
Integrative diagnostic tools for both trauma and neurodiversity
Masking and burnout: Impact on diagnosis
Gender-based differences in diagnostics
What to treat first? Neurodiversity traits of challenge or co-morbid condition
Group Exercise: Case conceptualization

Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices to Facilitate Trauma Healing

Creating a sensory-friendly therapy space
Communication approaches: visuals, technology, and more
Strategies for mind, body, soul, spirit
Coping Skills Inventory
Values and strengths-based approaches to enhance client buy-in
Support executive function skills to facilitate post-traumatic growth
Interventions for co-occurring anxiety and depression
- Top 5 accessible mindfulness practices
- Sensory lifestyle strategies to address autistic burnout
- Unmasking strategies to relieve depression
- Values-based strategies for self-care

EMDR, CPT, CBT and More: Adaptations for Trauma Processing

Adapt CPT for non-verbal or minimally verbal clients
Empower neurolinguistics techniques
Prolonged exposure therapy: 3 strategies to safely use with autistic clients
Trauma-focused CBT strategies for clients with ADHD
Top Written Exposure Therapy strategies to get clients talking about their trauma
Special considerations with EMDR
Cultivate and celebrate post-traumatic growth

Culturally Responsive and Sensitive Care for BIPOC and Underserved Populations

Specialized skills for working with refugees and immigrants
BIPOC communities: Access to care, health disparities, and discrimination
Asians and the “model minority” stereotype: Strategies to break the stigma of seeking help
Military Service Members and Veterans: Deployment/combat-related lifestyle
Best practice: Culturally-relevant, value-based, non-stigmatizing, family/community-inclusive, resource-connected
Case studies

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Art Therapists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Addiction Counselors
Nurses

Transitioning to College with ADHD

The transition to college is a challenging time for students with ADHD. On the one hand, like most teens, they are often excited about being independent. And on the other, ADHD impacts their executive function – planning and goal-setting skills required for staying healthy and managing college academics in college.

Join Mark Bertin, MD, as he guides you through ADHD and brain development in this age group, so you can best support college students and set them up for success!

Program Information

Objectives

Describe in detail the developmental path of executive function in both typical developments, and regarding ADHD.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the multiple foundations of ADHD intervention and the ability to optimize them effectively.
Integrate an understanding of teen development and the specific impact of ADHD on health, organization and planning to collaborate on specific college supports.

Outline

Adolescent ADHD: A Disconnect of Development

Typical teen development vs. ADHD development
Impact of delayed executive function skills on independence
Efficacy of ADHD interventions

Help Students Begin College Planning

What you need to know about 504 plans
Parent involvement and role
How to find therapy, coaching, and additional supports
- At the specific institution, community, online

Create a Collaborative Agreement

Ways to encourage discussion and communication with teens
Keep track of your ‘safe container’ – boundaries which you will not allow to be crossed
Steps to create the most successful action plan

Target Audience

Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
Nurses
Psychologists
School Administrators
Social Workers
Teachers/School-Based Personnel

ADHD Couples Therapy from the Inside Out

Recommending couples therapy for ADHD is easy—but turning it into real, lasting change is the hard part. It demands expert techniques tailored to the complex, often turbulent dynamics that ADHD brings to relationships.

Join Ari Tuckman, PsyD, ADHD couple's therapy expert for a roleplay of a fictional therapy session, demonstrating real-life scenarios, therapist interventions, and the couple’s internal thoughts and emotions.

Ari will share effective key strategies, promote active learning and demonstrate how to adapt your approach:

Foster Balance and Connection: Ensure you engage with both partners equally to maintain harmony and understanding in therapy.
Balance Agency and Empathy: Skillfully navigate between empowering each partner to take charge of their own growth and showing deep empathy for their individual experiences.
Assess Medication Efficacy: If a client has reservations about medication, critically evaluate whether the current no-medication approach is truly effective or if adjustments are needed
Assertive Leadership: Maintain strong leadership without being overwhelmed by the couple's dynamics, ensuring that your guidance remains clear and authoritative
Discussion on key takeaways and alternative therapies

This presentation will be educational, relatable, funny, and poignant—just like a good relationship!

Program Information

Objectives

Apply strategies to address a client’s resistance to acknowledging a diagnosis of ADHD.
Apply strategies to build more effective agency in the non-ADHD partner.
Identify the best moments in a couple's therapy session to challenge a client on their contribution to the dynamic.

Outline

Introduction - Why Roleplay

Show me, don't tell me: Roleplay of a fictional couples therapy session
- Keep it balanced and connect with both partners
- Acknowledging your ADHD gives you more control, not less
- Yes, you both need to do the work here
- You don’t like meds, but is no meds working?
- Pick your battles, but ask for what you want
- Get back on the same team
What did we see here?
- How is ADHD different from (and the same as) other couples therapy?
- Balance promoting agency and empathy
- Strong leaders don’t get run over by the couple

Target Audience

Marriage & Family Therapists
Psychologists
Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
Social Workers
Addiction Professionals
Speech-language Pathologists