Supporting Neurodivergent Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Youth

Kelsey Pacha

Training Description

This course supports providers in deepening their understanding of gender and sexual identities with an emphasis on creating inclusive spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) youth who have dual diagnoses and/or intellectual disabilities. Providers will discuss misconceptions and best practices related to diagnosis and social support for LGBTQ youth with intellectual disabilities, learning differences, mental health and/or substance use diagnoses. Through reviewing research, group discussion, multimedia, and self-reflection, individuals will become familiar with the most up-to-date terms, frameworks for understanding sexuality & gender, and best practices.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Review the three dimensions of sexuality and three dimensions of gender frameworks.

2. Discuss the correct use of gender pronouns and best practices.

3. Define neurotypical, neurodivergence, and neurodiversity, and explore ways this concept is used to label children & youth. Discuss the social construction of disability and disability theory’s relationship to queer theory.

4. Review models of gender identity & sexuality development and how they are affected by intellectual disabilities, learning differences, mental health and/or substance use diagnoses.

5. Review research and discuss misconceptions related to diagnosis and social support for LGBTQ youth with intellectual disabilities, learning differences, mental health and/or substance use diagnoses.

6. Identify five critical questions to ask to best support LGBTQ youth with intellectual disabilities, learning differences, mental health and/or substance use diagnoses.

7. Explore resources to further support neurodivergent LGBTQ youth and their families/caregivers.

Agenda 

9-10:45am  Discuss frameworks for our conversation: disability theory and the social construction of disability, queer theory, and intersectionality. Review the three dimensions of sexuality and three dimensions of gender frameworks.

10:45-11am Break (CEUs will not be offered for this time)

11am-12pm Discuss the correct use of gender pronouns and best practices. Discuss neopronouns, otherkin, and overlap with ASD communities.

12-12:30pm Lunch (CEUs will not be offered for this time).

12:30-2:15pm Self-reflection: “deficits” and “dysfunctions.” Define neurotypical, neurodivergence, and neurodiversity, and explore ways this concept is used to label children & youth.

2:15-2:30pm Break (CEUs will not be offered for this time).

2:30-3:30pm Review models of gender identity & sexuality development and how they are affected by intellectual disabilities, learning differences, mental health and/or substance use diagnoses. Review research about LGBTQ youth with disabilities.

3:30-5pm Five critical questions, resources, case study, and video about an LGBTQ youth group inclusive to youth with disabilities.

Meet Our Trainer

Kelsey Pacha, MA, M.Div. is a trans man who has worked with marginalized communities for 15+ years in a variety of settings. He holds a Master of Religion and Psychology, Master of Divinity, and Certificate of Sexuality and Religion from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Psychological Services from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He is the owner of Kelsey Pacha Consulting, which supports the work of institutions and individuals in increasing their capacity for cultural humility and social justice-informed institutional change. Kelsey offers educational trainings and LGBTQ workplace policy expertise with an emphasis on practical skills, identity awareness, and personal empowerment. He regularly works with corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion officers and LGBTQ affinity groups, as well as legal, clinical, medical, and direct service

(including child welfare and faith leader) personnel. 

This course meets the qualifications for (7) BBS CEUs for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.