Emotional expression beyond the limitations of language

The Emotion Communication Graph

The Emotion Communication Graph is a neuro-inclusive visual tool for autistic and ADHD people. It is designed to support individuals in exploring and expressing emotional experience in ways that do not depend on prescribed or fixed emotional vocabulary. The tool offers a structured, non-verbal space to reflect on how a situation, event, or sensory experience feels, supporting communication through lived experience rather than through socially expected language.

In this two hour online workshop, Emma will introduce the challenges that arise when emotional understanding is approached through traditional vocabulary-based methods. She will then present her proposed solution and provide practical training on using the Emotion Communication Graph. This tool can be used to support:

• Exploration of emotional experience, including responses to triggers and glimmers
• Shared understanding of emotional expression in relationships and support systems
• Increased awareness of individual regulation needs
• Development of self-advocacy skills around emotional communication

What is recommended before attending

This workshop introduces a developing theory that builds on wider concepts within neurodivergent-led emotional communication. To support deeper reflection and discussion, attendees are encouraged to have some familiarity with:

• Interoception as a sensory process and interoceptive differences
• Interoceptive awareness in autistic and ADHD populations
• The Double Empathy theory
• Unconscious bias in relation to communication, language, and emotional expectations

Having background knowledge in these areas will greatly support access and understanding of the theory

What is included

All attendees will receive a copy of the Emotion Communication Graph, an introductory manual, and a copy of the training slides for individual use in practice.

Copyright and Intellectual Property Notice

The Emotion Communication Map and the Social Language Barrier theory are original works created by Emma Ahern at Zeebra Therapy. All concepts, materials, and visual resources shared in this training remain the intellectual property of Zeebra Therapy. The materials provided are for individual clinical or educational use only and may not be reproduced, adapted, shared, or used to deliver independent training.

If you would like to share this approach more widely or deliver training within your organisation or community, please contact Zeebra Therapy to explore collaborative options and appropriate licensing. This helps ensure that the work is communicated accurately and that the integrity of the developing theory is upheld over time.