NEUROQUEER IDENTITIES and MENTAL HEALTH

Systemic Approaches for Supporting LGBTIQAP+ and Neurodivergent Communities

Join lived-experience practitioners Claire and Seanna for a transformative two-day workshop that will stretch your thinking, deepen your practice, boost your confidence and invite you to explore inclusive care in new ways. Learn practical skills, through honest conversations, and systemic reflection - exploring how to support neurodivergent and LGBTIQAP+ individuals in schools, families, healthcare, and workplaces. This workshop is a space to be curious, to get it wrong, to ask questions - and to grow.

Being neurodivergent and/or LGBTIQAP+ deeply shapes how individuals experience the world - and how the world responds to them. From early life through adulthood, these identities often intersect with misunderstanding, exclusion, and systemic barriers - especially in healthcare and education. This can lead to isolation, reduced wellbeing, and complex mental health challenges.

Increasing evidence suggests a strong connection between neurodivergent identities and LGBTIQAP+ identities. Gender diverse individuals are more likely to be autistic along with experiencing higher rates of ADHD. Research suggests that autistic people presents a unique experience to the formation and consolidation of sexual orientation and gender identity. Identifying as Neuroqueer means that a person sees their neurodivergent and queer identities as interacting with each other. For therapists, teachers, and helping professionals, understanding this intersectionality is paramount in addressing barriers and this means we must not only learn new approaches - but unlearn the ones that no longer serve. That takes curiosity, humility, and courage.

Understand and practice the power of systemic work, which explores the interconnectedness of individuals, their relationships, and the broader social systems that shape experiences. Discover how to create affirming, inclusive, and systemic support for LGBTIQAP+ and neurodivergent communities in this two-day workshop. Designed for therapists, teachers, and helping professionals.

You’ll Learn To:

• Use affirming language and concepts confidently
• Understand the concept of neuroqueer identity and why it matters
• Recognise the impact of bias, barriers, and systemic harm
• Reflect on your own frameworks and how they may need to shift
• Create inclusive, individualised support plans grounded in lived experience
• Apply systemic thinking to your work in therapy, education, and beyond

Learn and apply the COURAGE framework to transform your practice. 

• Centreing in Community
• Open Communication
• Understanding Diversity
• Respectful Practices
• Accessible Services
• Guided Support
• Educational Advocacy

Learning Objectives

• Understand key terminology
• Recognise intersectionality
• Build confidence in working with the neuroqueer population 
• Identify challenges, barriers and biases
• Implement best practices and supportive environments
• Develop a systemic lens to assisting individuals in families, school and workplaces
• Develop individualised care and support plans

Through interactive sessions, discussions, case studies (across the lifespan) and practical exercises, you'll build the skills, competency and confidence needed to foster safe, supportive environments where every individual feels valued and empowered. Participants will also learn about specific systemic and therapeutic approaches and engage in case study discussions to apply their knowledge in practical settings. Join us to deepen your understanding, enhance your practice, and champion equity and inclusion in your practice and workplace.

Presented by: Claire Barbagallo and Seanna Keeley. In 2022, Claire and Seanna created The Courageous Space, a service where people can be affirmed for who they truly are. Here they are the directors of a multidisciplinary practice with a focus on supporting children, adolescents and adults within the LGBTIQAPSB+ and neurodivergent communities.

Claire is a neurodivergent Speech Therapist and Family Therapist who has a passion for working with the neuroqueer community. Over the past 10 years, Claire has worked across education Queensland, Child and Youth Mental Health Services, and was a part of the very beginnings of the QLD Children's Gender Service, where she set up the speech therapy role. Claire also has a passion for providing education and upskilling to speech therapy students, new graduates and experienced therapists to create a more inclusive, affirming future in healthcare.

Seanna is a Neuroqueer Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Clinical Family Therapy. Seanna has over a decade of experience working with LGBTIQAPSB+ young people and their families and has worked in both Australia and the UK across multiple settings including Paediatric and Adult Hospitals, non-government organisations, mental health and the Queensland Children’s Gender Service.  Seanna provides supervision to Social Workers and Allied Health professionals working with LGBTIQAPSB+ people. 

Audience: for mental health, education and other professionals that apply behavioural/developmental/neuro-science and systemic thinking to their practice.

Mental Health Professionals: All mental health professionals including, but not limited to Clinical Counsellors, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Addiction Specialists, Marital & Family Therapists, Child Protection and Disability Workers, Domestic and Family Violence Workers, Guidance Officers, Speech and Language Therapists, Residential Care Workers and Foster Support Workers, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultants, General Practitioners, and all other mental health professionals looking to enhance their therapeutic skills.  

Education Professionals: Professionals who work with children or youth including, but not limited to K–12 School Counsellors, School Paraprofessionals and all other professionals who support LGBTIQAP+ and neurodivergent students.