Neurodiversity & Gender in Adolescence

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The landscape of adolescence has radically transformed in recent years with so many more young people struggling with developmental issues and requiring professional support. Schools are being stretched as they attend not only to the educational, but also the emotional and psychological needs of students. Many young people present with limited capacity to regulate emotions and behaviours as increasing numbers are being diagnosed with attentional and behavioural disorders such as ADD and CD. Diagnosis of Autism has also picked up speed in recent years. As well as this, we have reached almost epidemic proportions of adolescents crippled with anxiety. These young people are struggling to attend school and navigate peer friendships. They exhibit all manner of anxiety symptoms including panic attacks, OCD, rigid eating and exercise patterns, overthinking and dreading the future. They sometimes place unbelievably high expectations on themselves and, as a result, live with tremendous pressure. The stress creates a body response as many also endure such symptoms as GI tract issues, skin disorders, stress headaches etc. It is not unusual for self-harming behaviours and suicidal thoughts to emerge. Gender diversity has also become a feature of contemporary adolescence for many and there has been a sharp rise in the number of adolescents whose experience of their gender journey is figural through the teenage years. Helping professionals struggle with knowing how to effectively support adolescents whose presentation is often entrenched. Many parents are also at a loss and looking to the therapist for answers and strategies. Join Bronagh Starrs, internationally renowned consultant adolescent psychotherapist, for this workshop for psychotherapists and counsellors. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of these presentations in adolescence. A trove of effective strategies for both the adolescent and parents will be presented. 12 CPD Points Available