Celebrating Neurodiversity: A Day of Connection and Professional Growth
Our 2nd Annual Event on Promoting Neuro-Affirming Practice at the Crescent Art Centre brought together our first-class community of professionals, students, and advocates—all united by a commitment to advancing inclusive strategies in behaviour analysis. The full day of connection and education not only enriched our understanding of neurodiversity but also sparked meaningful dialogue on reshaping practices in our field.
Inspiring Speaker Sessions
Irene Dolan – Parent Perspectives on Neurodiversity
Irene kicked off the day by sharing personal and insightful reflections on neurodiversity from her combined perspective as both a parent and a professional. Her talk set a compassionate tone, reminding us of the human experiences behind every statistic and theory.
Amy O’Keefe – Challenging Traditional Perspectives
Amy O’Keefe, an Autistic Behaviourist, offered an illuminating viewpoint addressing the historical challenges within Applied Behaviour Analysis. She highlighted the need to move away from a pathological medical model of Autism, while also acknowledging the limitations of the social model of disability. Instead, she advocated for a neuro-affirming approach that values individual strengths, recognizes personal challenges, and emphasizes individualized skill building. She encouraged neuroaffirmative practices that foster joy, resilience, and natural sources of reinforcement for each individual.
Dr. Devon Ramey and Carrie Grennan – Embracing Neuroaffirmative Practices
Dr. Ramey and Ms. Grennan presented a valuable session exploring neuroaffirmative practices. They emphasized community-based participatory research, which fosters collaboration between neurodivergent and neurotypical communities, and encouraged thoughtful language choices to ensure respectful and inclusive communication. They also introduced their innovative research on developing individualized definitions of happiness and discomfort as key indicators of assent for non-speaking individuals. Their collaborative approach underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in both academic and practical settings.
Shannon Eidman – Supporting Authentic Connections for Neurodivergent Youth
Shannon emphasised the importance of fostering genuine relationships for neurodivergent young people, noting that social camouflaging—often a survival mechanism—can lead to anxiety and burnout. She introduced practical strategies for professionals to encourage authenticity while still building essential communication skills. A highlight of her talk was the introduction to mentorship models where mentors are themselves neurodivergent and have personally experienced the benefits of mentorship. Shannon encouraged practitioners to immerse youth in settings that feel natural and supportive, so they can build confidence and connections organically. Any interventions, Shannon advised, should serve a meaningful purpose for the young person and be rooted in a neuroaffirmative approach that emphasizes awareness, values-guided action, boundaries, and self-advocacy.
Kevin McFaul – Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome
Rounding out the speaker sessions, Kevin McFaul from Antrim Psychological Services provided a clear and informative introduction to Tourette’s Syndrome. He covered assessment and symptomatology, offering insights into recognizing and understanding the condition, as well as comorbidity and treatment considerations when other diagnosis are involved. Kevin’s session was both thorough and accessible, making complex information digestible for all attendees.
A Day of Engaging Dialogue
The event concluded with a dynamic round table discussion on neuroaffirmative practice in Northern Ireland. This session allowed for in-depth conversation and the exchange of ideas, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and innovations in behaviour analysis in Northern Ireland and beyond
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Looking Ahead
This full day of professional education and community connection not only deepened our collective understanding of neurodiversity but also reaffirmed our commitment to evolving practices that celebrate and support all individuals. We are inspired by the articulate presentations and the thoughtful discussions that unfolded throughout the day.
We look forward to building on this momentum at future events, continually striving to make our practices more inclusive, affirming, and supportive for everyone.
