This training explores the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, racial inequity, and fatherhood, equipping social workers, educators, clinicians, and family service professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support neurodivergent fathers and fathers raising neurodivergent children. Using a strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive framework, the session challenges traditional interpretations of behavior and helps participants develop practical, inclusive, and actionable engagement strategies. This training reframes neurodivergence as a social-justice issue, highlighting how undiagnosed traits, systemic bias, and misunderstanding contribute to father disengagement and poor family outcomes.
At the conclusion of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Explore the core neurodiversity concepts including distinctions between neurodivergent, neurotypical, and neurodiversity terminology
Understand the insight into how trauma, poverty, racism, and systemic inequity intersect with neurodivergence, particularly for fathers of color
Identify strengths to apply culturally responsive, trauma‑informed communication approaches that help fathers of color feel seen, respected, and empowered while navigating neurodivergent needs
Develop strategies to recognize and support undiagnosed neurodivergence in fathers who may present as angry, resistant, disengaged, or noncompliant.
6:00 pm Trainer welcome; Overview of training goals and learning objectives
6:10 pm Key terms: neurodivergent, neurotypical, neurodiversity; Common traits and how they may show up in fathers; Shifting from deficit to strength‑based understanding
6:30 pm How trauma, poverty, racism, and misdiagnosis intersect; Why neurodivergent fathers of color are often misunderstood
Behaviors often misinterpreted as anger, resistance, or disengagement; What these behaviors may communicate
7:15 pm Trauma‑informed and culturally responsive approaches; Communication techniques to support trust and safety
8:15 pm Tools for identifying needs and adapting services; Strategies, Identifying barriers and Supports; Improving father engagement
8:45 pm Key takeaways; Next steps