Name
Poster 07 - Toward Neuroaffirming Integrated Care: A Relational, Strengths-Based Framework for Neurodivergent Clients in Medical Settings
Date & Time
Friday, October 17, 2025, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location Name
Ballroom Lobby - 400 Level
Description

Neurodivergent adults—those who are autistic, ADHD, AuDHD, or have sensory processing differences—frequently experience misdiagnosis, medical trauma, and non-affirming treatment in healthcare settings. Traditional models may prioritize behavioral compliance over autonomy or interpret differences through a deficit lens. Integrated care teams have a unique opportunity to promote affirming, collaborative approaches across primary care, behavioral health, and allied specialties.

Speakers
Misty Schmidt PhD, Doctoral Candidate, Human Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Atlanta, Texas
Federico Mendez LMFT, PhD Candidate, Marriage and Family Therapist, Intimacy Counseling & Consulting, North Richland Hills, TX
Misty Schmidt Federico Mendez
Co-Authors
Misty Schmidt, LMFT, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX
Tags
ADHD, Cultural Safety and Humility, Underserved populations such as LGBTQ+
Session Type
Poster
Objective 1
Introduce a neuro-affirming framework for integrated care teams.
Objective 2
Highlight real-world clinical adaptations that honor sensory, communication, and processing differences.
Objective 3
Present practical recommendations to build relational safety, support autonomy, and reduce harm.
Content Reference 1

Chapman, R., & Botha, M. (2023). Neurodivergence-informed therapy. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 65(3), 310–317. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15384

Content Reference 2

Pellicano, E., den Houting, J., & Stears, M. (2021). Annual research review: Shifting from ‘normal science’ to neurodiversity in autism science. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 62(5), 593–611. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13315

Content Reference 3

Woods, S. E. O., Brook, A., & Angoff, L. (2025). Principles of neurodiversity-affirming collaborative assessment. Neurodiversity, 3(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251342069