Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice Training

Thursday, February 5, 2026
9:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Online via Zoom

Join the Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® of Minnesota Center for Rural Behavioral Health for a 4-hour training on Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice.

Cost: $80

Training Summary:

This training provides a comprehensive introduction to neurodiversity-affirming practice for healthcare and education professionals. The session will begin by examining ableism and exploring different models of disability to establish context. We will then define the core concepts and terms of neurodiversity and what it means to practice affirmatively. The presentation will deepen participants' understanding of Autistic and ADHD experiences, followed by a discussion on co-occurring mental health challenges from a neuro-inclusive perspective. Finally, attendees will learn actionable strategies for creating and maintaining neurodiversity-affirming environments in their clinical work.  

Learning Objectives:

• Define ableism and identify how ableism can manifest in clinical settings and interactions.
• Identify the key principles of neurodiversity-affirming practice.
• Analyze and reframe common characteristics of Autism and ADHD through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.
• Identify actionable strategies to create more neurodiversity-affirming environments.   

Meet Your Presenters:

Britney Marks-Kroehler, MA, LMFT, LADC, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor dedicated to creating inclusive, culturally responsive environments where insight, growth, and healing can take place. She specializes in supporting young children and their caregivers, neurodivergent (Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD) individuals and those impacted by foster care. Beyond her clinical practice, Britney collaborates with local county human services to provide mental health consultation, enhancing systems of care through trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming approaches. As a Board-Approved Supervisor, Britney provides clinical supervision to emerging professionals, guiding and supporting the development of reflective, relationship-focused, and highly skilled clinicians.  

Dr. Katie Stadther, PsyD, LP, is a licensed psychologist whose practice centers on pediatric psychological assessment. She has extensive experience in the identification of neurodevelopmental disabilities, particularly Autism and ADHD. Her work is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of child development, including advanced training in the assessment of children from birth to five. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Katie is dedicated to creating systemic change. She provides consultation and training to healthcare professionals and county case managers, helping to build more developmentally-informed and neurodiversity-affirming systems of care. She is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of clinicians through her supervision of doctoral students. At the heart of all her work is a deep commitment to inclusive, collaborative, and strengths-based practices.

Register Today

Not able to attend February 5th?
No problem. Register for the recorded session and a link to view it will be emailed to you after the February 5th training.

Registration Questions: Email workforce@mnsu.edu or call 507-389-1094
Training Questions: Email elizabeth.harstad.3@mnsu.edu