Manila Deep Dive Workshop
Nurturing Neurodiversity
Date: March 13 & 15, 2025 (Part of the Main Conference)
Time: 9:00 AM (3-hours total)
Workshop Description
Join us for “Nurturing Neurodiversity,” a comprehensive workshop dedicated to exploring neuro-affirming approaches and language. Participants will delve into the complexities of neurodiverse experiences, examining the challenges and nuances of diagnosis. Through engaging discussions and experiential activities, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and how to foster an inclusive, supportive environment.
The workshop will highlight the importance of neuro-affirming language and approaches, ensuring that participants leave with practical strategies to validate and empower neurodiverse individuals. This workshop will explore controversies around therapeutic support and answer the question “If not ABA, then what?” by incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Counselors will be equipped with effective tools to support the emotional regulation, resilience, and well-being of all neuro-diverse students.
Additionally, the workshop will address the influence of cultural perspectives on neurodiversity, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches in international schools. A trauma-informed lens will be applied throughout, acknowledging the potential impact of trauma on neurodiverse individuals and providing strategies for compassionate care.
Join us for an enriching experience that blends theory, practical application, and compassionate support.
About this Deep Dive Speakers
Denise Granai is a school psychologist and counselor with Linden Global Learning & Support, Presence Learning (U.S.A.), and Anglo-American School of Sofia in Bulgaria. Since 2004, she has worked as a counselor/psychologist in California, Serbia (ISB), Egypt (CAC), the Netherlands (ISA), Thailand (NIST), and Bulgaria (AAS Sofia). Denise has an M.A. from California State University, Northridge in educational psychology, and a M.S. from Lesley University in dance and movement therapy. Over the years, Denise has worked with all grade levels and feels the most important skill we can teach children of any age is how to create healthy boundaries…this includes adults modeling them!
Annabelle van Nieuwkoop-Read is a British and Dutch neuro-affirming therapist based in the Netherlands and virtually with Linden Global Learning & Support. For more than 15 years, she has worked in international schools around Holland and was Head of Support Services at the International School of the Hague. Annabelle holds a master’s in Arts Therapy (Drama), an MEd in Autism, and certification in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
