Geneva Centre Presents The Shift
Trauma and Burnout in Autism: A Conversation
Recording Available
Join us during this workshop to understand and address the issues of trauma and burnout in autistic individuals.
Our speakers, Stephanie and Lauren will be discussing the relationship between autism, trauma and autistic burnout. Stephanie is a social worker providing mental health supports to neurodivergent individuals. Lauren is a mental health professional who was diagnosed as autistic in adulthood. Together they will have a conversation and provide information, clinical examples and strategies to promote wellness in autistic individuals who may be experiencing burnout and trauma.
Learn how you can promote wellness in autistic individuals and address burnout and trauma.
Themes we will explore
- Recognizing the early signs of mental health concerns for autistic people
- Recognizing features of autistic burnout
- Discussion about interactions between mental health and autistic burnout
- Recognizing the signs of potential trauma in autistic people
- Introducing strategies for self-care, compassion and empowerment that may help to mitigate some of the risks of burnout and trauma
Who would benefit from attending this workshop?
- neurodivergent community
- mental health and development professionals
- parents and caregivers
Speaker: Stephanie Moeser
Stephanie Moeser is a Social Worker living and working in Peterborough, ON. Stephanie recently left her role as part-time faculty at Fleming College, where she taught in the Mental Health and Addictions, Social Service Worker, and Developmental Service Worker programs. She currently maintains a small private practice while working full time as a Therapist at Trent University. A focus of Stephanie’s clinical work has been in supporting the neurodivergent community. In her private practice, Stephanie provides mental health supports addressing areas of relationships, wellness, and issues related to managing mental health challenges such as anxiety, mood disorders, and autistic burnout. She has a specialization in supporting autistic students attending post-secondary education, and girls, women, and trans and non-binary people on the spectrum.
Over the years Stephanie has presented workshops geared towards parents/caregivers, people living with disabilities, the neurodivergent community, mental health professionals, and allied health professionals.
Speaker: Lauren Portengen
Lauren Portengen is a mental health advocate, working for a multidisciplinary mental health agency in Waterloo Region. In her current role, Lauren provides system navigation and intake support to families engaging in mental health programs. Lauren brings a participant-centered and trauma-informed approach to her work and specializes in child and youth mental health.
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder herself, Lauren is a strong advocate in her community and knows firsthand the complexities of neurodiverse experiences within the mental health system. Lauren attended Trent University and Conestoga College and is married to her neurotypical (debatable) husband who is an Engineer. Lauren and her husband enjoy adventuring in Northern Ontario and spending time with family. As a self-professed “old lady” Lauren also enjoys needlepoint, rug hooking, a good book, and a strong cup of tea.
Event Recording
Geneva Centre for Autism Presents: The Shift
Geneva Centre for Autism has envisioned a new and exciting free virtual series targeting the neurodiverse community, parents & caregivers, educators, healthcare & public service professionals.
"The Shift” invites leading industry experts alongside community members to deep dive into diverse topics, allowing viewers to expand their own understanding, challenge pre-existing beliefs, stay on top of the latest research and build their resource toolbox.
These 1-hour interactive sessions present a range of perspectives and expertise aimed to increase meaningful change, expand the dialogue and empower our neurodiverse community to thrive, one “shift” at a time.
Topics & themes we look forward to covering in the future:
- Sexuality & Relationships
- Mental Health
- Crisis & Trauma Intervention
- Diagnosis & Medication
- Employment Success
- Financial Support & Security
- Education Advocacy
- BIPOC & Healthcare
- Online Safety
- LGBT2SQ+ & Neurodiverse Communities
Look forward to...
Extra content and recordings
You’ll have access to recordings after the event is over, so you can go back and rewatch the session you didn’t catch live. We’ll also share slides & content that the presenter makes available.
Not just watching
Live Q&As, in-session chat, polls... thought this was going to be only about watching people talk? Think again.
A packed session
Get ready for a full hour of ideas and insights that will challenge your own understanding and challenge pre-existing beliefs. We're proud of the diverse speakers that we are bringing forward.
Living it your way
Have an idea of what topic you want to have covered? Do you know a speaker that would be interested in presenting? Let us know! We are want to know what you are interested in!
Food for thought
We carefully selected our speakers intending to bring thought-provoking, diverse topics to the table to take a deeper dive.
Meaningful connections
Be ready to meet interesting people, exchange ideas, network and lay the foundations for new, fruitful connections.
Previous Sessions
Speakers Deanna Djos & Gabe Wertman-Parris
Empowering Your Sex-Esteem: Exploring the language related to sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. This workshop will allow everyone to gain an unbiased approach to supporting the LGBTQ+ Community.
Geneva Centre for Autism
Our vision is Successful Community Inclusion, creating a world of possibilities! Our mission is to empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families to participate in their communities fully. We do this by providing direct support for families and professional training to share best practices around the world.
Interested in speaking opportunities for this series? Drop us a line with your ideas!