Interoception and Monotropism: Paying Attention to Autistic and ADHD Experiences

Description

Registration Fee: $69

When is this course:

• April 29, 2024 @ 12:00pm-2:00pm EST/ 17:00-19:00 BST
• Can’t make it? No problem! 2-weeks of unlimited access to the course recording is available to all that register

Course Description:

Bundle and save $10!!!
This is part one of a two-part series featuring the latest insights into the intersection of interoception, monotropism and masking.
Join us for one or both parts!

If you want to learn about the important intersection of monotropism and interoception, this interactive course is a great place to start. Monotropism, which is a common experience for many Autistics and ADHDers, is a term used to describe a thinking and processing style that utilizes a deep attentional focus on a few things at once that are intrinsically motivating or interesting, as opposed to a polytropic experience of attention that allows a person to focus on a more broad range of things, though less deeply.

When a monotropic brain finds a hook, or something that pulls its attention, it can be with such immense force that it hurtles the brain through a tunnel of attention—the object of that attention is all-encompassing. This process can at times lead to a state of flow, and enables a monotropic person to explore topics at great depths and complete tasks with high degrees of proficiency. It can also create dissociation from the world outside of the attention tunnel.

While there are many benefits to monotropism, there can be some costs, usually from external factors, but from some internal factors too. For example, if the monotropic experience is not understood or validated by supporters (e.g., family, educators, therapists), it can negatively impact interoceptive felt-safety as well as result in chronic conditioning to override or mask the processing style that the body needs to feel safe and regulated. This course seeks to improve understanding about monotropism, honoring sensory needs, and help supporters get one step closer to providing affirming care that promotes felt-safety and body listening.

This course will also discuss additional impacts of monotropic processing on interoception, including limited attentional resources for internal sensations, especially if they are not a strong enough hook, resulting in missed learning about the inner condition of the body (e.g., noticing and understanding when the body needs sensory regulation or hydration). Additionally, explanation of a deep state of flow and how many interoception needs might not fully reach a noticing level (e.g., noticing the need for toilet, food or sleep).

Several practical strategies for validating monotropic processing, nurturing interoceptive awareness using monotropic strengths and supporting gentle shifts in attention from a current hook to internal needs will be shared.

Who this course is for:

• You are serving clients of any age that are, or you consider to be, Autistic and ADHD
• You are an Occupational Therapy Practitioner, Speech and Language Pathologist, Mental Health Provider, Educator or Caregiver who wants to help clients be better understood and supported
• You want to remain on the cutting edge of practice and serve in ways that are in line with the most current science and lived experience
• You want to feel empowered with information you can use to create buy-in for a modern, affirming approach
• You are a neurodivergent person, perhaps a monotropic processor, who wants to understand the most current and affirming supports available in the field