Podcourse
Learning That Fits Your Life!
Gain clinical insights with a lively 1-hour podcourse.
CE Credits!
Neurogrief
Understanding the Complex Grief After a Late Autism Diagnosis
CE Credits!
Neurogrief
Understanding the Complex Grief After a Late Autism Diagnosis
CE Credits!
Neurogrief
Understanding the Complex Grief After a Late Autism Diagnosis
Description
In this course, participants will be introduced to the concept of neurogrief, a complex grief process that can emerge when someone discovers their neurodivergence later in life. We’ll explore how this grief may present emotionally and clinically in clients with a late autism diagnosis, and why it is often unrecognized or misdiagnosed.
Clinicians will learn how to recognize signs of neurogrief and implement neuroaffirming strategies to support clients as they process their experiences, related trauma, and move toward self-acceptance.
Course Details
Title
Neurogrief: Understanding the Complex Grief After a Late Autism Diagnosis
Instructional Level
Introductory
Location
Online (Instant Access)
Continuing Education
1 CE Credit offered
Self-Paced Learning
You can start or pause the course anytime. Complete it at your own pace.
Learning Objectives
- Identify five signs of neurogrief in clients processing their late autism diagnosis.
- Distinguish at least three ways grief may present differently in autistic clients compared to non-autistic clients.
- Implement at least four practical strategies for supporting autistic clients experiencing neurogrief.
Course Outline
Section 1: Modern Theories of Grief
- Shift from stage-based grief models to non-linear frameworks
- Grief from other forms of loss, including relational and identity losses
- The impact of minimizing or bypassing grief
- The role of witnessing and validation in healing
Section 2: Understanding Neurogrief
- Definition and core features of neurogrief
- Emotional responses after a late autism diagnosis
- Identity disruption, masking, and burnout
- Secondary losses and “what could have been” narratives
Section 3: Grief in Autistic Clients
- Subtle or nontraditional expressions of grief
- Misinterpretation by family, systems, or clinicians
- Self-criticism, guilt, and comparison
- Differences in timing and processing of grief
Section 4: Neuroaffirming Support Strategies
- Neuroaffirming techniques to build a safe therapeutic container
- Strategies to facilitate exploration and processing of neurogrief
- Addressing common patterns that may complicate grief processing
- Using the Neurogrief Checklist as a clinical tool
Section 5: The Neurogrief Checklist
- Description and purpose of the checklist
- Common signs of neurogrief
- Using the checklist collaboratively with clients
- Empowering clients through validation and shared language
Instructor Bio
Danielle Sheppard, LPCC, (she/her)
Danielle is a neuroaffirming therapist and educator who creates a compassionate, inclusive space for clients to explore grief, identity and self-connection through an affirming, IFS-based lens. She specializes in supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals with an approach that fosters authenticity, self-understanding, and gentle processing towards growth. Read more about Danielle…
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does the course take to complete?
Total Instructional Time
1 hour
Self paced learning
You can start or pause the course anytime. Complete it at your own pace.
Quiz
You are required to complete a 10-question quiz to receive a certificate of completion or continuing education credit. You are allowed to take the quiz more than once.
Bonus Material
You will receive bonus material, including a handout and study guide. These materials are optional, and you will have lifetime access to them for future reference.
How are the podcourses structured?
Supporter Rate
$69
For those able to enroll and help fund others.
Standard Rate
$59
For those able to enroll at the regular rate.
Access Rate
$29
For students or those with financial need.
Standard Rate
$59
For those able to enroll at the regular rate.
Supporter Rate
$69
For those able to enroll and help fund others.
Access Rate
$29
For students or those with financial need.
NeuroAffirm Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.
NeuroAffirm Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
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