Webinar
Neurodiversity: Awareness, Knowledge & Strategies from a Trauma Informed Lens
22nd November 2023
12pm-2pm (GMT)
FREE to network members £15 for Non-Members
Speakers: Niki McGlynn, Neurodevelopment Therapist and ADHD coach – Organised Mind. Rebecca McCullough, BA (Hons), PGCE, MSc – Eden Consultancy.
Overview
This event will provide attendees with a better understanding and acceptance of Neurodiversity. Rebecca will discuss the common misconceptions and myths surrounding Neurodiversity, in particular Autism and ADHD. Nicki will help us develop a better understanding of retained primitive reflexes and their links to trauma recovery.Â
During this webinar we will be looking at ways in which we can adapt, change and support in situations to create opportunities for neurodiverse individuals to flourish, whatever the environment.Â
We will explore why people don’t always progress, as expected, when primitive reflexes are retained, and how they can act as a block. Understand how, when looking at trauma and trauma recovery, the primitive fear reflexes are particularly influential, as they will create a sense of being unsafe in the world. Â
Primitive reflexes are movement patterns that develop in utero and allow the development of the central nervous system and then they should integrate into the brain stem and lie dormant. They are responsible for many physical, mental and emotional functions so when they are retained in the system they can create many functional issues. When looking at trauma and trauma recovery, the primitive fear reflexes are particularly influential, as they will create a sense of being unsafe in the world.Â
Who Should Attend?
- Anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Neurodiversity to help and understand others. Â
- Parent/carer, teacher, educator Â
- Therapists/CounsellorsÂ
- Anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of primitive reflexes both in child development and also in trauma recovery Â
- Gain skills to support a greater understanding of what is an unconscious reflex pattern of response.Â
Benefits Of Attending
- Gain a deeper understanding of Neurodiversty, in particular Autism and ADHD and how to better support individuals, with confidence
- Understand how we can support neurodiverse individuals by adapting our approaches, environments and disbanding harmful misconceptions
- Gain an understanding of primitive reflexes in trauma Â
- Understand how freeze/flight/fight can be affected by this reflex reponseÂ
- Explore what primitive reflexes are, and their impact, their links to trauma and the integration with polyvagal theory   Â
- Improve knowledge of early reflex development and how they can remain retained into adulthood   Â
- Develop a good understanding and practical techniques of how to help and supportÂ
Meet the Speakers
Rebecca McCullough
Rebecca McCullough, BA (Hons), PGCE, MSc is the founder of Eden Consultancy NI. Her mission is to change the world for neurodiverse children by equipping their key adults with knowledge and strategies. Rebecca provides training, workshops and consultations across the UK and Ireland.Â
Rebecca’s career began as a teacher in a specialist setting for Autistic individuals in the South West of England. Whilst teaching Rebecca gained experience across all Key Stages, supporting children with a wide variety of neurodiverse needs. In 2020 Rebecca gained her Masters of Science in Psychological science at Queen’s University Belfast where she focused on the prevalence of Anxiety and Autism. Eden Consultancy NI was created in response to local demand for expert-led, specialist training. Since starting the business Rebecca has been nominated for FSB young Entrepreneur of the Year and Freelancer of the Year 2023. By seeking to create understanding and support around each child and young person, rather than changing the child, Rebecca’s desire is to build a world where these individuals feel fully loved and accepted for who they are.
Niki Mc Glynn
Niki McGlynn is a neurodevelopment therapist and ADHD coach with a special interest in working with trauma.  Neurodevelopment is generally seen as an educational tool to support children with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, etc, however a good understanding of primitive reflexes and how they affect us as adults has led to her increasingly working with adults.  The majority of adults that seek help are dealing with anxiety or trauma related issues and reflex integration work can be transformational but it remains comparatively unknown. Â
