Strategies to support System-Involved Youth who are Neurodivergent

Klasey Consulting is partnering with Lincoln Familties to discuss "Strategies to Support System-Involved Youth who are Neurodivergent" to providers in the Alameda, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Tuolumne and Calaveras counties. This training class is designed to equip educators, counselors, social workers, and law enforcement officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively work with autistic youth involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare systems. The class explores common challenges faced by these youth, such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and difficulties with social interactions, and offers practical approaches to address these issues. Attendees learn how to create supportive environments, adapt interventions to individual needs, and foster positive relationships to improve outcomes for system-involved youth on the autism spectrum.

Please note that in order to register for these free trainings you must be staff, caregiver or volunteer working directly with foster, adoptive or probation involved children, youth and their families in Alameda, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Tuolumne and Calaveras only. Participants outside of these areas aren't eligible.

The learning objectives are:

1. Participants will learn communication strategies tailored for youth on the autism spectrum, including methods to reduce anxiety, improve understanding, and foster a supportive dialogue.
2. Attendees will understand the unique sensory processing needs of system-involved autistic youth and how these needs can impact behavior and engagement.
3. The training will guide participants in developing and implementing individualized support plans that consider the specific strengths, needs, and challenges of each youth

This training is being facilitated by Dr. Acosta of Klasey Consulting LLC. You can learn more about Klasey Consulting at www.klaseyconsulting.com. You can follow us on Instagram @klaseyconsulting to stay informed about upcoming trainings and to learn about resources.

Dr. Nancy Acosta is a bilingual therapist who has 7 years of experience working with trauma at a sexual assault center. She has provided services to children and adults in various settings including outpatient community mental health centers, college counseling centers, crisis centers, and in an integrated behavioral health setting. She has completed training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy. She has experience providing training and supervision to doctoral level graduate students in trauma related topics including crisis intervention, vicarious trauma, and grounding techniques. In addition to developing a training manual for a student training program at a rape and crisis center, she also has experience supervising practicum students and providing support to staff and advocates. Nancy has experience working as a behavioral health consultant with multidisciplinary staff to improve recognition, treatment and management of behavioral problems and conditions.