Neurodiversity Podcast

Bridging Brains and Hearts: Trauma and Neurodiversity

May 9, 2024

Jessica Sinarski, a mental health counselor, discusses the crucial link between trauma and neurodiversity, emphasizing the need for trauma-responsive practices and a strengths-based perspective. The conversation touches on the impact of trust on brain development, creating neurodiversity-affirming school environments, and supporting neurodivergent individuals who have experienced trauma. They delve into 'hidden senses' and stress the importance of building trusting relationships.

33:03

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Jessica Sinarski

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the intersectionality between trauma and neurodivergence is crucial in supporting neurodivergent individuals.

Being trauma-responsive means using awareness of trauma to act accordingly and respond appropriately.

Deep dives

The Intersection of Trauma and Neurodivergence

Trauma impacts how individuals learn, connect, and perceive the world, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Existing in spaces that are not neurodiversity affirming can also be traumatic for neurodivergent individuals. The connection between trauma and neurodivergence lies in how the brain responds to survival and defense modes when needs are not met, leading to distress and dysregulation. Understanding the trust and mistrust cycle is crucial in comprehending how unmet needs can result in defense brains taking over, affecting interactions and relationships.

Introduction

2min

Supporting Mental Health Clinicians and Educators in Implementing Neurodiversity Affirming Practices

2min

Navigating Trauma and Neurodivergence

8min

Building Resilience and Healing Through Animal Metaphors

5min

Embracing Neurodiversity and Trauma-Informed Practices

14min

Understanding Trauma and Creating Safe Spaces for Neurodivergent Individuals

2min

This week, Emily Kircher-Morris sits down with Jessica Sinarski, a mental health counselor who merges neuroscience with education and family dynamics. They dig into the complex relationship between trauma and neurodivergence, underscoring the critical need for trauma-responsive practices and a strengths-based perspective in supporting neurodivergent people. They explore how trust and early life experiences shape brain development, and the profound impact these factors have on individuals throughout their lives. They talk about creating neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed environments within schools, and discuss the often overlooked 'hidden senses' that are crucial in supporting neurodivergent students. All of that, packed into episode 224.

Takeaways

Understanding the intersectionality between trauma and neurodivergence is crucial in supporting neurodivergent individuals.
Being trauma-responsive means using awareness of trauma to act accordingly and respond appropriately.
A strengths-based approach recognizes that no part of the brain is bad and focuses on supporting and celebrating individual strengths.
Schools should strive to be neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed, integrating a brain-based perspective and understanding the hidden senses.
Building trust and maintaining trusting relationships is essential in supporting neurodivergent individuals who have experienced trauma.

To learn more about the Neurodiversity University courses for educators, click the link, and get in touch with us through the contact page if you have questions.

If you see value in rethinking education and building a stronger classroom, consider joining the Neurodiversity University Educator Hub! It’s a group built for educators, and we’ll open registration again soon! Sign up to be alerted, and join us for the learning, sharing, and fun!

Mental health professionals, get on the list and we’ll notify you when we open our upcoming community, the Neurodiversity University Therapist Hub.

Jessica Sinarski, LPCMH, is an author, educator, and the founder of BraveBrains. She partners with school districts and child welfare agencies around the world, translating neuroscience into actionable steps for kids and adults alike. Jessica ignites both passion and know-how in audiences through her books, training, and deeply trauma-informed resources.

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