A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach to Autism/ADHD Support with Dr. Jaclyn Halpern

In today’s episode, we’re talking to Dr. Jaclyn Halpern about A Neurodiversity Affirming Approach to Autism/ADHD Support . Dr. Jaclyn Halpern is a licensed psychologist in Maryland, DC, Delaware, and Virginia with Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the PSYPACT. She is the Director, Co-Founder, and Clinical Supervisor of Washington Behavioral Medicine Associates, LLC's SOAR Program for Psychotherapy and Testing. Within WBMA, Dr. Halpern provides therapy to individuals of all ages, supervises testing and therapy for the staff, and provides parent coaching.

 

Dr. Halpern has spoken on NPR and DC's Fox 5 and on panels for WISER and Diamonds in the Rough. She has presented for local schools and groups including Fusion Academy, Auburn School, xMinds, and the MCPS Special Education Committee. Dr. Halpern presents regularly at conferences and trainings for mental health providers, educators, and parents. Dr. Halpern’s presentations and workshops have focused on topics including Neurodiversity Affirming Care, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, social media, child and teen mental health, bullying prevention, parenting skills, the therapeutic relationship, cultural considerations, and sibling rivalry. 

 

Along with writing blogs for WBMA, Dr. Halpern has recently published articles on accessing neurodiversity affirming care, parenting and discipline, understanding ADHD in both children and adults, social media’s impact on mental health, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has contributed to articles about suicide, parenting, and dissociation. Dr. Halpern's writing and contributions have been featured in media including Psychiatry Today, Bustle, Autism Advocate, Verywell Family, Healthline, Everyday Health, and WUSA 9. 

 

Today we will answer these questions:

 

• What is autism and what is adhd? Are they often comorbid?
• What is neurodiversity and why is it so important?
• What should parents look for in a therapist?
• What can parents do to foster a neurodiverse atmosphere for their family? Any directions they should give to siblings?
• What kind of self advocacy tips can parents give their children?
• What can teachers do to foster this environment in their classrooms? 
• What can parents tell their children’s teachers to better help their child in the classroom?

 

Links and Resources:

• Dr. Halpern’s practice: https://www.wbma.cc/ 

 

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