NSCSW Lunch & Learn: Sensory reels — Neurodivergence in the classroom

Nova Scotia College of Social Workers

Learn ways to better understand neurodivergence and how to make supportive adaptations in social work practice.

Anti-racist & anti-discriminatory practice

Members of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers are required to complete annual professional development, which must include training related to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice. See https://nscsw.org/pd/#pdMandated for more info.

Neurodivergence refers to a broad spectrum of significant differences in the way an individual’s brain functions. Societal understandings often reflect diagnoses such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. While differences throughout the neurodivergence spectrum vary widely, sensory processing differences are common throughout, influencing the way that neurodivergent individuals can show up in their own lives.This lunch &amp; learn will take attendees through the process and findings of a research study exploring the sensory experiences of neurodivergent post-secondary students at Cape Breton University. Together, we will explore the implications of sensory experiences reflected in the built environment and management of post-secondary education, centering lived experience voices through short films and first voice presenters. While the research focuses on sensory experiences at CBU, we will also reflect upon the avenues that we, as social workers and allied health professionals, are able to enact change and uphold accessibility rights across Nova Scotia, and how we’re able to integrate this knowledge into our daily practices. <h3>Objectives</h3><ul><li>Knowledge: Identify and understand the sensory experiences of neurodivergent individuals; identify and understand strategies social workers can adapt into their practice to support neurodivergent services users.</li><li>Skills: Integrate and apply self-reflective processes that support ethical social work with individuals and groups who are neurodivergent; integrate and apply promising practices based on research on the experiences of neurodivergent people and people who experience sensory overload.</li><li>Values: Examine and shift worldviews, beliefs, and feelings related to underlying issues of neurodivergence; expansion of awareness and care for people who are neurodivergent and face barriers.</li></ul> <h3>Facilitators</h3><h4> </h4><h4>Dr. Alison Grittner</h4>Alison Grittner holds a PhD in Social Work. Previously educated in architecture, arts, and history, her transdisciplinary research involves working alongside structurally vulnerable communities to reimagine, codesign, and reconstruct everyday environments towards equity. Her longstanding work within the disability community focuses on understanding and communicating across abilities and lived experiences. <h4>Chelsea Butler</h4>Chelsea Butler, MSW, RSW (she/her) is a therapist, researcher, and educator who is passionate about offering and advocating for inclusive, trauma-informed, and equitable services. Her specialty areas include Neurodivergence, chronic illness, cancer, and health care access through micro, mezzo, and macro applications. <h4>Kate Power</h4><blockquote>I recently completed my Bachelor of Social Work at Cape Breton University and will graduate this spring. I’m grateful to join this panel as a new social worker and participant in the Neurodivergence in the Classroom study, which takes an anti-oppressive approach to creating more inclusive environments for neurodivergent students.</blockquote> <h4>Nicole McKinnon</h4><blockquote>I am from Cape Breton and completing my Bachelor of Social Work at Cape Breton University, building on an Honours Science degree in Psychology. I am passionate about social justice, equity, and using anti-oppressive, anti-colonial approaches in policy and research to help create more inclusive communities.</blockquote> <h3>Eligibility</h3> <h4>NSCSW Members</h4>All active, associate, retired associate, and student members of the <a href="https://nscsw.org/" title="https://nscsw.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Nova Scotia College of Social Workers</a> are welcome to attend; our professional development programming is part of our member services funded by <a href="https://issuu.com/nscsw/docs/connection_spring2023_webfinal/42" title="https://issuu.com/nscsw/docs/connection_spring2023_webfinal/42" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">annual registration fees</a>. <h4>Community Partners</h4>All allied health practitioners in Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki interested in learning more about this topic are eligible to sign up for a $5 partner ticket; just let us know which profession you are a part of when you register. <h3>Related Code of Ethics &amp; Standards of Practice</h3> <a href="https://nscsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NSCSW-Code-of-Ethics-and-Standards-of-Practice-August-2025.pdf" title="https://nscsw.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NSCSW-Code-of-Ethics-and-Standards-of-Practice-August-2025.pdf" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">NSCSW (2025</a>): Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All PeopleGuiding Principle 1.1: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of all people.Guiding Principle 1.2: Social workers promote the self-determination and autonomy of allpeople.Guiding Principle 1.6: Social workers uphold the dignity of all people by recognizing the worth of individuals with disabilities by upholding their rights, fostering inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities in society. Value 2: Promoting Social JusticeGuiding Principle 2.1: Social workers uphold the principles of social justice related to therights of individuals, families, groups, and communities to receive fair and equitable access to services, resources, and opportunities and to be free of oppression, racism, and discrimination.Guiding Principle 2.4: Social workers advocate for the rights of all individuals, families, groups, and communities to be free from oppression, exclusion, racism, and discrimination. Value 4: Valuing Human RelationshipsGuiding Principle 4.1: Social workers place the well-being and interests of all people at thecentre of their relationships.Guiding Principle 4.2: Social workers continually develop self-awareness and practise self-reflection to guide their practice and personal well-being. Value 7: Providing Culturally Responsive Competent Professional ServicesGuiding Principle 7.1: Social workers are committed to the ongoing development of theirprofessional abilities and knowledge, aiming to ensure the delivery of culturally responsiveprofessional services <h3>Professional development tracking</h3>For members of NSCSW, participating in this event is eligible to fulfill the annual requirement for professional development related to anti-discriminatory practice. Members who have already completed that requirement for the year may instead categorize this session as formal professional development. Visit <a href="http://nscsw.org/pd" title="http://nscsw.org/pd" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">nscsw.org/pd</a> for more information about the professional development requirements for Nova Scotia social workers. <h3>Questions?</h3>If you have questions about our professional development program content, please contact the College's Professional Development Consultant, Tyler Colbourne, at tyler.colbourne@nscsw.org.

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NSCSW Lunch & Learn: Sensory reels — Neurodivergence in the classroom

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