Webinar: neurodivergence, an anti-oppressive perspective

With a focus on autism and ADHD, we will reflect on how an anti-oppressive perspective on Neurodivergence can help us understand our experiences within a social and historical context.

Conversations about Neurodivergence and mental health are on the rise and there is an increased understanding of neurodivergent people's experiences and our needs. Most of these spaces are focused on finding language and validation for our experience, and on educating practitioners about practical ways to support us.

This event will have a slightly different focus: we will examine what recent changes in our social context have to do with increased pathologisation of neurodivergence. From this, we will explore how these changes foster external and internal ableism, creating long-term distress.

The space will be held with awareness of the interconnectedness of all oppressive systems and holding collective liberation as a goal.

This event is suitable for both mental health practitioners and clients or service users alike. It will be especially helpful for neurodivergent people exploring collective understandings of their challenges and the social context.

(This live event will be recorded. The fee includes access to the recording for 2 weeks after the event, and a handout with references that will be shared via email after the presentation.)

About the facilitator/speaker:

Lucia Sarmiento Verano is a humanistic psychotherapist in private practice online. With a background in Sociology and Political Science, she has worked as an anti-racism trainer and consultant with mental health organisations. She has experience delivering training and facilitating reflective discussions around topics of anti-racism and decolonial thinking in mental health. Lucia is now undertaking research on the topics of coloniality and resistance as a Ph.D. student at the Birkbeck University of London.

What people have said about Lucia's training events:

" I found it very interesting as well as thought provoking, It feels like Lucia put a lot of thought and consideration in her work. I did not feel ailenated in this workshop which has been my experience in some workshops/presentation. "

" I would highly recommend. Lucia's presentation was paced perfectly, she was easy to listen to and understand and therefore I felt engaged and learnt some new things without feeling overwhelmed." (Julie)

" Useful intro to a topic/way of thinking. Approachable and concise." (EB)

" A well thought out, engaging event from someone with clear knowledge and sensitivity."