Pre-Conference Workshop

Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Assessment and Treatment of Forensic Clients with Complex Presentations

PRESENTERS: Dr. Joseph Allan Sakdalan; Ms. Sabine Visser

DATE: June 17, 2024

TIME: 9am - 5pm

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS: 7 credits

COST: $300 CAD (includes 2 catered coffee break; lunch NOT included)

DESCRIPTION: 

There is an overrepresentation of neurodivergents, particularly autistic and ADHD adults, in the criminal justice system (CJS). The interaction between the CJS and neurodivergence has been fraught with challenges. Generally, mental health professionals have limited training in the forensic assessment and treatment of neurodivergents. Consequently, this can result in misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, overestimating risks, and detrimental treatment and sentencing recommendations to the Court. Utilising a more neurodiversity-affirming approach involves a better understanding of dialectical dilemmas and the double empathy problem, addressing cognitive bias, and shifting lenses and attitudes, which can help improve our knowledge, skills and empathy in working with this client group.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

1. Gain an understanding of the challenges and issues in assessing and treating neurodivergents within the forensic settings.
2. Deepen the participant’s understanding and appreciation of the strengths and limitations of existing models in working with neurodivergent offenders in the forensic context.
3. Gain an understanding of the relevance of neurodiversity-affirming practice in the forensic setting. 
4. Learn to utilise a neurodiversity-affirming approach with neurodivergents in the context of forensic assessment and treatment. 
5. Reflect on the clinical, ethical and legal issues in working with this client group.