Understanding Neurodivergence & Fatherhood – Different Brains, Same Purpose, Stronger Fathers

Training Description

This training explores the intersection of neurodivergence, trauma, racial marginalization, 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 learning experience reframes neurodivergence as a social-justice issue, highlighting how undiagnosed traits, systemic bias, and misunderstanding contribute to father disengagement and poor family outcomes.

Participants Will Gain:

Attendees will develop an understanding of core neurodiversity concepts including distinctions between neurodivergent, neurotypical, and broader neurodiversity terminology.

Attendees will understand how trauma, poverty, racism, and systemic inequity intersect with neurodivergence, particularly for fathers of color.

Attendees will recognize and support undiagnosed neurodivergence in fathers who may appear angry, resistant, disengaged, or noncompliant due to sensory overload, executive functioning challenges, or shutdown responses.

Attendees will explore engagement tools such as shorter, structured meetings; visual supports; sensory-aware environments; accessible language; and strength-spotting frameworks.

Attendees will explore a neurodivergent father engagement checklist, along with national resources and actionable steps for systemic improvement.