Neuroqueer Affirming

Credit

Speaker

Cynthia Brown, LPCC Related seminars and products

---

Cynthia “Cindy” Brown is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Open Doors Therapy, where she specializes in supporting Autistic and ADHD adults, particularly those at the intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQI+ identities. Cindy also provides consultation and clinical training in neuroaffirming, trauma-informed care through the Neurodiversity Training Center.

Identifying as neuroqueer, Cindy brings both lived experience and clinical expertise to her work. She is a passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming care and is committed to challenging the widespread misinformation about the Autistic community.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Cynthia Brown has an employment relationship with Open Doors Therapy. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Cynthia Brown is a member of the California Association for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors.

Additional Info

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info

Objectives

1. Define the concept of neuroqueer identity and its intersection with queerness and neurodivergence.  
2. Identify systemic and socio-cultural factors that contribute to stigma, discrimination, and mental health challenges for neuroqueer clients.  
3. Summarize affirming, trauma-informed strategies that foster safety, authenticity, and self-expression in clinical practice with neuroqueer clients.  

Outline

Intersectionality of Queerness and Neurodivergence 

• Fluidity and intersection of identities 
• Defining the concept of “neuroqueer” 
• Research on the high representation of queer identities within the autistic community 

Systemic and Socio-Cultural Implications 

• Political and societal systems targeting trans, queer, and autistic communities 
• Identity-based discrimination and marginalization 
• Early developmental impact and internalized stigma 
• Masking as survival, resulting in the loss of authenticity and queer joy 

Clinical Implications 

• Increased risk for mental health challenges (e.g., suicidality, depression, trauma) 
• Misrepresentation and pathologization by the medical community 
• Lack of affirming therapists and clinical training 
• Risks and limitations of research and techniques  

Clinical Applications 

• Real-world challenges neuroqueer clients share in session 
• Trauma-informed practices that challenge neuronormative and heteronormative standards 
• Supporting clients in redefining success on their own terms 
• The role of affirming community and connection 
• Exploration of case examples 

Target Audience

• Counselors  
• Social Workers  
• Marriage & Family Therapists  
• Psychologists  
• Case Managers  
• Addiction Counselors  
• Occupational Therapists 
• Other Mental Health Professionals  
• Physicians