Training Overview
Parenting can be especially complex for neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder. Challenges such as executive functioning difficulties, heightened stress, and communication barriers often intersect with parenting responsibilities. However, these same parents frequently demonstrate remarkable resilience, dedication, and creativity in raising their children.
This training equips professionals with the tools and insights needed to support neurodivergent parents more effectively. Participants will learn how to recognize both the challenges and the unique strengths of “neuro-spicy” parents, building a foundation of trust, respectful communication, and individualized support. The goal is to foster stronger partnerships that empower parents and promote healthier family outcomes.
This intermediate-level virtual course is for an array of human services professionals including social workers, psychologists, counsellors, and other professionals supporting neurodivergent parents.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key parenting challenges faced by autistic and ADHD parents, including executive function issues, stress vulnerability, and communication barriers.
- Describe the core strengths of neurodivergent parents, such as resilience, commitment, and positive parenting skills.
- Apply neuro-inclusive strategies that fister trust, improve communication, and promote skill-building in parents.
About the Trainer
Laura Gaines, MSW, LISW-S., is a trainer and researcher with a current focus on resilience as an individual and community skill. She has been an Ohio Child Welfare Training Program trainer and curriculum developer for over 20 years. Laura has served as a volunteer on the Crisis Text Line since April 2020.
Her career experiences include being a child and adolescent therapist for over 20 years, and 15 years working with children and adults who have developmental disabilities, thus providing thousands of opportunities to work with clients and their families in moments of crisis. Laura has specialized training in Trauma Informed Care and presented at the 2021 Ohio Children’s Alliance conference: Eighth Annual Trauma Informed Care Summit. Her trainings focus on child development, mental health, developmental disabilities, ethics, trauma-informed care, resilience, and each person’s individual solutions to their life’s challenges.
Register Through IHS