Learn how to support adult neurodivergent (Autism & ADHD) clients to have connected, fulfilling sexual experiences at our Neurodivergence & Sexuality Webinar, with Dr Sarah Ashton (SHIPS Psychology) and Anna Clarke (Divergent Futures).

This workshop will provide students and professionals with research and frameworks to support their neurodivergent clients to have connected, fulfilling sexual experiences. Using a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed lens, we will explore the different types of considerations and strategies that can be useful for Autistic and ADHD people. We will explore how we can dismantle the neuronormative frameworks around sexual experiences, and consider what sexual connections look like when you have partners with different neurotypes and needs.

Topics covered:

Intro to neurodivergence
Gender identity & intersectionality
Overview of sexual function theories & frameworks
Kink & BDSM
Disability rights & sexual support services
Trauma & sexual function
Burnout & sexuality
Trauma & sexuality
Relational connection & sexuality
Interoception & sexuality
Sensory needs & sexuality
Executive functioning & sexuality

Event info:

Date: Wednesday 26 June
Time: 6-8pm
Location: Online (Zoom)

Book tickets via eventbrite here.
Please note tickets are non-refundable however you will be able to watch the recording if you miss the webinar.

Presenter bios:

Anna Clarke (They/Them)

Anna is a Psychologist, Play Therapist, and EMDRAA Accredited Consultant. They have a background working with children, adolescents and adults who have experienced sexual assault and family violence. They are passionate about supporting clients through trauma-informed and Neurodiversity-Affirming lenses.

Anna is an EMDRAA Accredited Consultant and has undertaken advanced training in EMDR Therapy. Anna is an active member of the Australian EMDR Therapy community, contributing through collaborative research, facilitating a Neurodiversity-Affirming EMDR Peer Group, and providing support for therapists wishing to integrate Neurodiversity-Affirming practice into EMDR Therapy. As Co-Director of Divergent Futures, they offer education, training and consulting in Neurodiversity-Affirming practice. Anna is an experienced public speaker, addressing topics such as violent behaviours, trauma-informed care, managing power imbalances in therapy, and strengths-based treatment for eating disorders. Outside of their professional pursuits, Anna enjoys hiking in the Tasmanian bush, reading, boxing, and art.

Dr Sarah Ashton (She/her)

Sarah is the Director and Founder of SHIPS, the first organisation dedicated to inclusive, trauma-informed, evidence-based sexual health psychology treatment. She is also the Founder and Lead Training Author of Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Training and the Coordinator of the MHPN Sexual and Mental Health Primary Health Network. She is a registered psychologist (AHPRA) and board approved supervisor (AHPRA) and member of the Society of Australian Sexologists.

Dr Ashton is also a lecturer and academic at RMIT and Deakin University and has recently co-authored Deakin's first Sex and Sexuality Unit. Her research has been published in The Journal of Sex Research, Porn Studies, Feminism & Psychology as well as The Conversation and Red Magazine. Dr Ashton is passionate about liberating our fearful relationship with sex on a cultural level, making visible the voices of erotically marginalised communities, providing exceptional sexual health care for our community and raising the bar of healthcare by empowering practitioners with skills and knowledge.

Suitable for: