2024 Spring Ethics Series - Working with Neurodivergent Systems

May 3rd: Ethics of Treating Neurodivergent Children and Families presented by Katie Jo Glaves. LMFT

Due to the rapid increase in appropriate diagnosis of neurodivergence in previously under-diagnosed children, clinicians are seeing more openly neurodivergent children and their families.  Neurodivergent children have complex needs and ethics dilemmas frequently emerge. Questions such as “Can this intellectually disabled 15 year old client meaningfully consent therapy?” “What happens when parents have goals for a child that the child does not share?” “If more than one family member has unique needs due to neurodivergence, how do I ethically navigate that intersection?” “What do I do if a parent wishes to pursue a therapy that lacks an evidence base or even may be harmful to the child?”. These ethical questions defy simplistic answers.  This presentation will orientate you think through the ethical values (autonomy, dignity, nonmaleficence, humility)  that can guide ethical decision making with this complex population.

May 10th: Navigating Neurodiversity in Sex Therapy: Ethical Considerations and Alternative Approaches presented by Erika Miley, Phd, LMHC, CST

In this presentation, we will be addressing 

• The ethics of neurodiversity in terms of scope of practice  
• Navigating self-diagnosis and social media with clients  
• Addressing truths, half-truths, misinformation, correlations (not necessarily causations) about social media symptoms and diagnosis criteria with clients in a helpful and productive way - Exploring legal and ethical aspects of an “unofficial diagnosis”  
• Exploring the pros and cons of social media information/ misinformation and ethical implications for neurodivergent populations 
• Examining ethical risks for therapists on social media platforms and having a social media presence

May 17th: Intersectional Identities and Neurodivergence panel discussion

May 24th: Working with Neurodivergent Systems: Ethical Considerations in Client Self-Diagnosis and Social Media Influence presented by Melinda Johnson, MA, LMFT, PMH-C

Each Friday in May (3, 10, 17 and 24) from 9am-11am, we will feature specifically curated speakers who will enhance your ethical understanding on this topic in ways that have not been covered previously. Presenter agreements are being finalized and specific session details will be announced as soon as contracts are signed.