ODL 350: Supporting Neurodivergent Families: Navigating Fear, Isolation, and Community Understanding

Please make sure to check with your own state board to ensure the transferability of CE credit for an asynchronous course. Some state boards may place restrictions regarding the modality of training required for ethics credits to be awarded. If this training indicates ethics credits are available, please verify that your state allows them to be earned through an on-demand course format.

1 CREDIT HOUR APPROVED FOR:

Social Workers
ASWB ACE – 1 CE Credit
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work – 1 Contact Hour
Psychologists
APA – 1 CE Credit
Counselors
NBCC ACEP – 1 Contact Hour
New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners – 1 Contact Hour
Addiction Professionals
NAADAC – 1 Contact Hour
Nurses
California Board of Registered Nursing – 1 Contact Hour
Case Managers
CCMC – 1 Contact Hour

Created On:    8/13/25                 

Target Audience:

This course is targeted for social workers, psychologists, counselors, nurses and case managers.

Counselor Skill Groups: 

4. Counseling Services
5. Documentation
6. Case Management

Overview:

This 1-hour session is designed for professionals who support families of neurodivergent children / adults. The training will explore the emotional challenges these families face, such as feelings of isolation, fear of saying the wrong thing, and, for some, the pressures of constant caregiving. It will also address how divisions within the autism community and broader societal attitudes impact families. By understanding these challenges, participants will gain insight into how to create more supportive, inclusive environments for neurodivergent children and their families.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the session, the participant will be able to:

• Identify the emotional and social challenges that families of neurodivergent individuals face.
• Explain how stigma, societal pressures, and language debates within the autism community affect families and shape their experiences.
• List strategies for offering practical support to families, including how to address safety concerns and social isolation.
• Describe the role of the broader community in reducing stigma and fostering a sense of belonging for the whole family.

Presenter:

Crystal Polk, LISW-CP, Advocate and Therapist

Crystal Polk, LISW-CP, is dedicated to empowering family systems within the disability community, with a strong focus on promoting caregiver self-care and sibling support. She founded Better Tomorrow Therapy in Charleston, SC, offering mental health services to support the well-being of parents and siblings in families navigating complex challenges. With a background in psychology from the University of Michigan and social work from Wayne State University, she has a diverse history in mental health, including in-home therapy services and community-based prevention programs. Crystal also worked as a school-based therapist in South Carolina, where she supports children and families. Her advocacy work was featured in the caregiver documentary, UNSEEN. Outside of her professional commitments, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, riding bikes, and exploring the beautiful waters of the Carolinas.