Part 2: Strategies to Support Neurodivergent Students (1 Day Event) 02/18/2026 - 02/18/2026 Event Dates: 02/18/2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This interactive session explores neuro-affirming strategies school counselors, school social workers, and school based mental health practitioners can use to support neurodivergent students’ self-regulation, executive functioning, and sensory processing needs within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Grounded in the national model and ethical standards, participants will examine how to design inclusive environments and lessons that presume competence, reduce masking, and honor diverse communication and sensory profiles. We will highlight practical tools such as visual schedules and timers, feelings charts and thermometers, co-regulation practices, and multisensory regulation activities that can be embedded across Tier 1–3 supports. Special attention will be given to creating sensory-friendly spaces (lighting, sound, tactile tools), building predictable routines and task breakdowns, and offering student choice in how they engage and show what they know. By the end of the session, participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies and planning ideas to foster more inclusive, affirming, and accessible school counseling services for each and every student.
Learning Outcomes By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Identify key neuro-affirming practices that support self-regulation, executive functioning, and sensory processing for neurodivergent students within the national model frameworks.
Design counseling activities and classroom supports that incorporate visual schedules, routines, feelings tools, and co-regulation strategies to promote emotional and behavioral regulation without encouraging masking.
Develop a plan to adapt curriculum and learning environments (e.g., sensory regulation options, multisensory activities, and student choice) so neurodivergent students can access, participate in, and benefit from school counseling services across MTSS tiers.
Event Details
Audience
School Counselors, School Social Workers, School-based Mental Health Practinioners
Facilitator(s)
Anna Heinbuch, Ed.D., PPS
Location
Online (Webinar, Online Class, Etc.) Note: *Zoom link will be sent as the date approaches.