A Neuro-Strengths-Based Framework for Building Meaningful Social Communication with System-Involved Youth

Staci Neustadt, MS, CCC-SLP

Training Description

Traditional social skills practices often focus on teaching observable behaviors without first understanding the barriers that influence authentic communication. This interactive training introduces a Neuro-Strengths-Based Framework that helps participants identify what system-involved youth are trying to accomplish, recognize the underlying factors that may be affecting participation, and support meaningful social communication through strengths, relationships, and natural opportunities for learning. Using current research on social communication, trauma, youth engagement, and relationship-based practice, participants will reflect on their own cases and leave with practical strategies to better support system-involved youth across home, school, and community settings.

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least five barriers that may impact meaningful social communication beyond observable behavior in system-involved youth.

• Describe at least three soft skills (body awareness, emotional regulation, and executive functioning) and explain how each skill influences meaningful social communication among system-involved youth.