Self-Harm and Neurodiversity / Autism Workshop for Professionals (Online)

This event is for professionals in East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. We are also holding events for parents and carers; please see our Eventbrite listing for details.

Research has shown that Autism is a significant risk indicator for self-harm, with autistic individuals being 2.26 times more likely to self-harm than those without autism (Blanchard et al., 2019). This is true of autistic children, adolescents and adults, highlighting the need for people supporting individuals with autism to understand the contributing factors and the support that is required.

After this 2.5-hour virtual workshop participants will:

• Gain a better understanding of the factors that increase the likelihood of self-harm
• Learn to identify what support is required
• Understand and identify early warning signs
• Increase their knowledge of strategies and approaches to support
• Know where to go to access support

During the workshop key contributing factors will be discussed in order to gain a better understanding. These include:

• Being neurodiverse in a neurotypical world
• The impact of the environment (anxiety and social, sensory and emotional regulation and understanding)
• Autism and Trauma
• Autism and Alexithymia (a difficulty in recognising, identifying and describing one's emotions)
• Autism and Pathological Demand Avoidance (being unable to do certain things at certain times, either for yourself or others, and the avoidance of doing these things)
• Recognising Autistic Burnout and effective Self-Care
• The importance of neurodiverse rest

Register now to reserve your place!