As part of the upcoming Autism Symposium in New Hampshire, Dr. Neal Christensen and Rachel Gutow-Ellis, CPC, will deliver a thought-provoking presentation entitled, "It's Not Them, It's Us: How Professionals Can Reframe Their Thinking and Training to Support Autistic Clients and Their Families with a Perspective of Ability, Not Disability." The session promises to challenge conventional wisdom and pave the way for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to supporting autistic individuals and their families.
Scheduled for April 30 and 31, 2024, at the Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton, New Hampshire, Dr. Christensen and Ms. Gutow-Ellis will delve into the rich history of autism, shedding light on how the mental health community has traditionally pathologized neurodivergent individuals. Focusing on reframing perceptions, the duo will offer attendees insights into how professionals can adopt a more empowering and strengths-based perspective when working with autistic clients and their families.
"Our presentation aims to initiate a paradigm shift in how professionals view and interact with autistic individuals," remarked Rachel Gutow-Ellis, independent educational consultant and parent coach. "By recognizing and amplifying their abilities rather than focusing solely on perceived disabilities, we can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for everyone."
Echoing Rachel's sentiments, Dr. Christensen, founder and co-owner of Elements Eclipse, emphasized the importance of embracing diverse perspectives. "Our session will not only challenge existing narratives but also provide practical strategies for professionals to implement in their daily practice," he stated. "We believe that by fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding, we can unlock the full potential of autistic individuals."
In addition to exploring historical contexts and debunking myths surrounding autism, participants can expect interactive discussions and opportunities to collaborate on reshaping the future of how we support autistic clients. Dr. Christensen and Ms. Gutow-Ellis invite attendees to join them on a journey of self-reflection and discovery with the goal of creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
The Autism Symposium in New Hampshire serves as a platform for professionals, caregivers, and advocates to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and advance the field of autism research and support. Dr. Neal Christensen and Rachel Gutow-Ellis, CPC, are honored to contribute to this important dialogue and look forward to engaging with attendees at their session.
For more information, contact Rachel Gutow-Ellis, CPC, Owner/Principal at rachel@newcastleeducationalconsultants.com.
About Dr. Neal Christensen
Dr. Neal Christensen, Licensed Psychologist, has been treating adolescents with various neurobehavioral and developmental conditions, including autism, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety disorders, in Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare programs for two decades. He co-wrote an article featured in the Journal of Therapeutic Programs and Schools called Discovering and Treating Pathological Demand Avoidance in the Wilderness. He served as the guest editor of the Journal of Therapeutic Schools and Programs in 2021, featuring authors and articles discussing topics related to the study and treatment of autistic people. He has presented at various conferences and has had professional speaker engagements discussing the treatment of adolescents who have OCD, anxiety, and autism. He served as the Research Committee Chair of the Outdoor Behavioral Health Council for eight years and helped to create the OBH accreditation standards. Dr. Christensen has researched the positive effects OBH has on teens and families with neurobehavioral and developmental challenges. He is the founder and co-owner of Elements Eclipse, a specialty program designed specifically for neurodiverse adolescents. In his free time, Dr. Christensen can be found sending it on his mountain bike or climbing frozen waterfalls.
About Rachel Gutow-Ellis
Rachel Gutow-Ellis is a certified parent coach and independent educational consultant based in Houston, Texas. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Rachel began a lifelong commitment to helping people identify resources during a crisis. Whether at Volunteers of America, Cohen’s College Connection in Dallas, or throughout many community not-for-profit organizations in the United States, Rachel’s 30+ years of experience have led her to open a boutique consulting and coaching firm specializing in the needs of neurodivergent clients of all ages and their families.