Objective: This workshop explores strategies to address the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals in voice therapy and lessons. Attendees will leave with an understanding of neurodivergence, accommodations to support clients’/ patients’ executive functioning, sensory differences, and communicative tools for understanding and being effectively understood by neurodivergent patients in all stages of their care.

Methods/Design: Following a brief introduction to neurodivergence and effective neuro-affirming communication, attendees will engage in a role-play demonstration. In this group-activity, attendees will get the chance to problem-solve in situations regarding typical obstacles that neurodivergent individuals face in voice care. The obstacles we will delve into will begin with how to appropriately address executive function both within sessions/ lessons and in home practice. The activity will then move to demonstrate ways to make neurodivergent individuals feel understood and sufficiently supported through the management of sensory differences. The workshop will encourage participants to brainstorm how to adjust the session/ lesson environment and exercises accordingly. Finally, we will work with the attendees to trial the implementation of effective communication and neuro-affirming listening skills when communicating with a neurodiverse client/ patient (played by one of the presenters). Workshop leaders will encourage brainstorming and provide support as needed throughout, encouraging in-depth discussion and confidence in implementation with a simulated session/ lesson.
The session will culminate in a group discussion about the moments of successful facilitation of care demonstrated in the simulation, along with moments that spark room for growth. This interactive format allows participants to gain practical, hands-on experience with facilitating effective voice care in neurodivergent individuals, and promotes collaborative learning and the exchange of ideas on best practices in voice therapy and voice lessons.

Results/Conclusions: Attendees will leave this workshop with the understanding of how to navigate the manifestation of neurodivergence in executive functioning difficulties, communication/sensory differences, introduction to the management of dysautonomia, and the practical skills of how to adjust the structure and the communication throughout all stages of the patient/client experience in voice care to be positive and rewarding for both the voice care-giver and the client.