Project ATTAIN Resources

We are currently offering live trainings on a regular basis. Please contact Becky Parton for the most up to date schedule: rebecca.r.parton@hitchcock.org. All of our on-demand trainings can be found below under "Recorded Trainings."

View our upcoming trainings

Our resources

  • Websites and Resources list: We have created a resource list for you to check out. It includes local and national resources on the topics of neurodiversity and trauma. For the full resource list, please refer to our Project ATTAIN Trauma and Neurodiversity Resources (PDF). For your convenience, we've listed some of these resources in the sections below.
  • Parenting Through Trauma podcast: Our team created a podcast called "Parenting Through Trauma" to offer support and guidance to parents navigating the challenges of raising kids after trauma. This podcast features real stories from four parents who have lived through difficult times, providing a wealth of wisdom on how to heal and support children. Each episode will help parents understand their child’s needs, guide them through the healing process, and empower them to confidently show up for their kids in ways that truly make a difference. Check out the website for all the episodes and extra resources.

National resources

Local resources

We know there is an overlap between neurodiversity and gender diversity. Check out NH Outright for more resources.

Recorded trainings (CME and CEU credit)

We have a variety of trainings available for free online. If you do not require CEUs, click on the CME links to register with Dartmouth Health and watch the training for free. Anyone can sign up to watch the free version.

  • Trauma and Neurodiversity: This 90-minute training focuses on working with autistic youth, youth with IDD, and those who identify as neurodivergent. Presenters discuss the increased risk for trauma that these youth face and how to support these youth in a practical way. Participants will learn how to apply skills such as the “Window of Tolerance.”
  • Attachment with a Twist: This 1.5-hour workshop is based on attachment theory and reviews the basic attachment cycles for children and their caregivers. There are multiple barriers that can impede “typical” attachment. This workshop provides examples of ways that the Window of Tolerance and attachment principles can improve the attachment relationship between parents and children when things like neurodivergence, sensory issues or other “differences” are present.
  • Creative Trauma-Informed Clinical Interventions for Working with Youth with IDD: This 90-minute training focuses on working with autistic youth, youth with IDD and those who identify as neurodivergent. Presenters discuss the increased risk for trauma that these youth face and how to support these youth in a practical way. Participants will learn how to apply skills such as the “Window of Tolerance”. Youth with IDD are often overlooked when we are thinking about providing trauma-informed mental health services. Many of the modalities we use (TF-CBT, CPP, EMDR, Narrative Therapy) can be adapted for working with youth with IDD or Autism. This training will provide concrete tools for adapting your clinical work for youth with IDD and/or Autism
  • Training for pediatricians: This 40-minute training is meant for pediatricians who are working with youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), who may have experienced trauma. Developmental trauma may look like, mask or exacerbate other mental health conditions. This training should assist pediatricians with recognizing signs and symptoms of traumatic stress in youth with IDD or NDD. Drs. Fogler and McLaren give practical tips for providing trauma-informed care to youth as well as supporting caregivers. Dr. Fogler covers Evidence-Based Practices that pediatricians can recommend for youth with IDD/NDD who have experienced trauma. Dr. McLaren discusses medication options to consider after other interventions have been optimized.
  • Training for psychologists: This 45-minute training is meant for clinicians who are assessing youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who may have experienced trauma. Developmental trauma may look like, mask or exacerbate other mental health conditions. This training should assist clinicians with differential diagnosis (differentiating between symptoms of trauma and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) and developmental differences such as ASD or ADHD). Dr. Fogler gives practical tips for supporting youth during assessment like normalizing symptoms, using a SUDs scale, empathetic listening, and containment if the patient appears overwhelmed in the moment.
  • Training for educators: In this 1-hour video, educators will learn about ACEs and traumatic stress and hear about what disrupted learning looks like at various ages and developmental levels. Dr. Jason Fogler will share concrete suggestions for educators to use with their team. This training will have a focus on recognizing emotion dysregulation and restoring equilibrium.

Webinars we recommend

Resources for Neuroaffirming practice

  • Creating Safe Spaces for Autistic People: This is a guide you can purchase in full color, reduced color, or an e-book version. Written by Laura Hellfeld and Scott Neilson. This has practical tips about how to run groups and make your space more neuroaffirming.
  • ASAN Accessibility Resources: The Autistic Self Advocacy Network put together a list of their own resources for accessibility and inclusivity. They also have a list of resources from other organizations.
  • Divergent Futures: This is a list of Neurodiversity-affirming resources compiled by a group in Australia. This includes resources for professionals, caregivers and individuals.
  • Neurowild: This website includes infographics and cartoons for professionals and educators that explain neurodiversity and practices to support autistic people. Some graphics are free and some have a cost.
  • Lived Experience Educator: This website includes resources like “The Neurodivergent Friendly Workbook of DBT Skills”, resources for the workplace, and accommodation recommendations.
  • Autistic Realms: This website has resources for caregivers, professionals and individuals, for a fee.

  • Autistic SPACE framework: This research article outlines a framework for providing neuroaffirming support using the acronym SPACE:

    • Sensory needs
    • Predictability
    • Acceptance
    • Communication
    • Empathy

    There are specific tips for how to follow this framework.

Planning trauma-informed, neuro-affirming holidays

Name the things you can predict and the things you cannot

Create a retreat room or space

Bring an anchor like a fidget toy

Give children agency and support their choices

No means no. Let children consent to hugs and pictures

Plan for low energy demand times before, during, and after

 

This website is supported by Grant Number [H79SM084906] from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither SAMHSA nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA.