After facilitating an 8-week Nervous System study group 8 times, Janae has decided to follow another shiny special interest. This summer, study group will be focused on learning about The Neurodiversity Paradigm. 

This is an opportunity to learn about neurodivergent identity in a collaborative way with other neurodivergents and/or professionals who support neurodivergents. 

Although this is primarily an educational group, and not a processing group, past students in Janae's study groups have reported transformational experiences including more self-love, more gentleness with themselves, more understanding of their own bodies, more acceptance of their neurodivergence, and more connection to the neurodivergent community. 

Who is this for?

  • for neurodivergent people who want to more deeply understand themselves and our world

  • for mental health professionals, social workers, coaches, somatic practitioners, and other helping professionals who want to create safe space for their neurodivergent clients to heal

  • for anyone who wants to explore the liberating social-political theory that is the Neurodiversity Paradigm 

Lesson Topics

  • Orientation

    Welcome & Intro, How to Access the Course, Zoom Links, Private Discussion Group, etc

  • Neurodivergent Nervous Systems

    Neuroception, Social Engagement Differences, Distress Symptoms, Trauma, Co-regulation

  • The History of The Neurodiversity Paradigm

    The Development of this Framework by Autistic Theorists (1990s), Genetic and Acquired Neurotypes

  • Neurodivergent Trauma

    Systemic and Ancestral Trauma, the Trauma Model of Mental Illness, the Modern Allostatic Load, the History of the DSM

  • Chronic Illness and other Common Comorbids

    Not-That-Rare Syndromes, Spoon Theory, Burnout, Building Care Networks

  • Masking, Camouflaging, and Code Switching

    The Fawn Response, the Purpose and Mechanisms of Masking, Finding the Safety to Unmask

  • Defying Normativity

    Neuroqueer Identities, What Does it Mean to Neuroqueer Something?

  • Cousin Movements

    Antipsychiatry (1960s), Disability Studies (1980s), Mad Pride (1993)

Pricing options

The cost of the full series is $300. If that amount is financially difficult, you may choose a payment plan or you may pay half price, no questions asked. If the reduced cost is inaccessible, please scroll down to the end of the page to find the scholarship application.

What is the study group like?

The Neurodiversity Study Group includes zoom calls, optional reading selections, and a private group for discussion between sessions. Each 2-hour zoom session will feature a 30-40 minute lesson, a short break, Q and A time, and facilitated group discussion. 

The study group is a space for collaborative social learning where anyone in the group is welcome to share what they've learned about the Neurodiversity Paradigm. 

We'll meet for 8 weeks total - an orientation call and then seven lessons. This course covers a lot of information in just 8 weeks. The recordings will be available for at least 6 months in case you need to learn at a different pace. 

How is info shared?

There are 3 primary ways information is shared:

  • Live Sessions

    The core of this course is 1 weekly live zoom call for 8 weeks. This video call typically lasts two hours with a short break halfway through. Arrive late or leave early if you need to. Replays of each session will be posted in the course page the next day.

  • Private Group for Discussion

    We have a private community group where any neurodiversity paradigm related discussion is welcomed and encouraged. This is a place to continue discussions we run out of time for and to ask questions or start new discussions in between sessions.

  • Mindmaps, Infographics, and Notes

    During each zoom call, I'll share charts, diagrams, graphics, and images to help explain things. After each call, these images will be posted along with the replay for review. My lesson notes with outlines and definitions will also be posted after each session.

Facilitator / Teacher

Janae Elisabeth

Trauma Geek

Janae (they/she/he) is an information synthesizer who has been studying polyvagal theory and related nervous system models for 6+ years. Their specialty is tying together threads of information from many different fields to create a holistic understanding of the nervous system and neurodivergence. Janae has deeply studied these topics in an effort to understand himself better as an AuDHD PDAer with complex trauma. Since 2018, she has been teaching about trauma, the nervous system, and neurodiversity through local peer support circles and through the advocacy and education project, Trauma Geek. For legal reasons, please note, Janae is not a counselor or therapist.

FAQ

  • Can we access the course after the dates if it takes us more time to process?

    The course will be available here on this site for at least 6 months. Everyone in the course will receive a link to a private YouTube channel where the videos will live indefinitely after that.

  • If I do the recorded version, is there a way to ask questions since the live Q&A will be missed?

    There will be a discussion section with each lesson in the course. We also have a private community group for questions.

  • Would this course work for a high school student?

    Teens may take the course if they have an adult in their near-community take the course at the same time. It's especially important for young adults to have someone to process the material from this course with.

  • Are there CEUs?

    Check with your supervisor! My in-person groups count for CEUs but online groups have varying requirements.

  • Can I buy the course as a gift for someone else?

    Yes! When you go to the checkout page, you can click the box next to "This is a Gift" and then add the recipients email address.