Presenters: Margaret Janse van Rensburg, Autism, Neurodiversity and Academic Achievement (AIDAN) lab, University of Alberta, and Tara Connolly, Carleton University

Individuals face significant challenges in accessing neurodivergent affirming, inclusive, and strengths-based mental health care. Autistic and neurodivergent individuals often report barriers to accessing mental health care, diagnostic overshadowing in mental health settings, or face communication challenges with those who try to provide mental health care. Furthermore, some mental health strategies used for neuro-normative populations may not facilitate wellbeing for neurodivergent and Autistic people (Adams & Young, 2021; Albaum et al., 2022; Au-Yeung et al., 2019; Camm-Crosbie et al., 2019). Drawing upon insights from community-informed research and counselling practice expertise, this breakout session offers community members, practitioners, teachers, and organizations an opportunity to learn and identify approaches to supporting mental health through a neuroinclusive lens. In this session, a three research themes will be outlined with practical examples given. First, willingness to adopt a neuroinclusive lens will highlight all people’s capacities to supporting mental health for divergent neurotypes (e.g., Autistic, ADHD) and we will cover major mental health concerns and how to identify signs of stress rising. Second, we will encourage all attendees to look into their own “support toolbox” , highlighting the use and importance of flexible and individualized approaches to supporting mental health. Finally, we will cover the importance of self-care for those who are providing support in a way that prevents burnout and facilitates longevity in supporting mental health of people of divergent neurotypes. Research, supported by practice knowledge will facilitate attendees in supporting mental health and wellbeing using strengths- and neurodivergent affirming practices.