TechieForLife (TFL) Executive Director & Autism and neurodiversity expert Jason Grygla, LCMHC, MA, and attachment theory expert Jack Hinman, Psy.D, Executive Director of Engage Young Adult Transitions, will co-present on “The Relationship between Neurodiversity and Attachment in Teens and Young Adults” during Session 8 on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm EST at the ATTAcH (Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children) 35th Annual Conference in Virginia Beach, VA.

“We are excited to share our knowledge and expertise on the relationship between neurodiversity and attachment with the ATTAcH community,” said Grygla. “This is an important topic that is often overlooked, and we hope to raise awareness and provide resources for families and professionals who are supporting neurodivergent teens and young adults.”

The quality of the attachment relationship acts as a protective factor or a risk factor for emotional and behavioral functioning for people who have an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) diagnosis. Teens and young adults who are neurodivergent have more attachment distress. This presentation will discuss the comorbidity of attachment trauma and neurodiversity. The bidirectional relationship will be explored along with treatment implications.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the relationship between neurodiversity and attachment.
• Understand the role of attachment in supporting neurodiverse teens and adults.
• Understand treatment implications mitigating the compounding relationship of neurodiversity and attachment.

Grygla and Hinman are experts in their respective fields and have a combined experience of over 50 years working with neurodivergent teens and young adults and their families. They are passionate about helping neurodivergent people develop more secure attachments and reach their full potential. The ATTAcH 35th Annual Conference is a leading event for professionals and families who are interested in learning about trauma and attachment in children. The conference will feature a variety of workshops, plenary sessions, and keynote speakers on a range of topics related to trauma and attachment.

About TechieForLife

TechieForLife (TFL) is a co-ed, residential, postsecondary school situated in beautiful St. George, Utah. With a focus on supporting autistic and neurodivergent students facing social, emotional, and academic challenges, TFL provides NDM or Neuro-developmental Mentoring™ to foster social connections, confidence, and independence. As a licensed vocational school, TFL offers in-house computer tech training, assistance with college or trade schools, as well as apprenticeships, internships, and job support tailored to individual paths forward. At TFL, students find a community where they belong and receive the support they need to succeed. For more information, email GetStarted@TechieForLife.com to learn more.

‘Autism & Neurodiversity’ podcast– Tune in to hear Jason Grygla, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Director of TechieForLife, and his wife, Debbie Grygla, Certified Parent Coach, every Friday for insightful discussions with leading experts and supportive tools.