Presented by Len Pierre and Allison Balfour
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm PDT
Resources
Blog & Articles
- The Language of Inclusion: A Guide to Neuro-Affirming Communication
- Autism Isn’t Broken—Society Is: Building a World Where Neurodiversity Belongs
- In Plain Sight Summary Report
- BC: Building Relationships with Indigenous Peoples- Distinctions-Based Approach
- BC: Building Relationships with Indigenous Peoples- Distinctions-Based Approach Primer
- Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation: Executive summary
- What is Cultural Humility? The Basics
- Mehrabian’s 7-38-55 Communication Model: It’s More Than Words
- Guiding Principles When Using Declarative Language & Co-Regulation
- On Audre Lorde
- Poetry Foundation-Audre Lorde
- Two-Eyed Seeing
Books Journals & Paper:
- Developments in Neuroethics and Bioethics
- Autistic Culture: Understanding and Embracing Neurodiversity
- Barriers to healthcare and a ‘triple empathy problem’ may lead to adverse outcomes for autistic adults: A qualitative study
ACT videos:
- ACT-Mental Health, Suicide, and Autism
- ACT-Language Matters: Transforming Healthcare for Neurodivergent People
- ACT-Neurodiversity 101 & Autism Acceptance
- ACT-Autism, Sexual Health, and Safety: Empowering Community
- ACT-to Adulthood for Neurodivergent Youth
Website, Videos & Useful Links
- VCH-Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs)
- Indigenous Health: Share Your Story
- Indigenous Terminology Guide
- Len Pierre Consulting
- The Gift of Being Different
- Indigenous Perspectives on Autism and Neurodiversity
with Grant Bruno, Ph.D., and Otilia Johnson - What is Reclaiming Connections?
- SFU Adolescent Health Lab Connect Attachment Programs
- Decolonizing Addictions with Len Pierre
- PDA Society
- Autistic Doctors International (ADI)
- Autistic Professor
- Autism Understood by Spectrum Gaming
Workshop details
This full-day, strengths-based training provides a practical and culturally grounded introduction to Autism and Neurodivergence, including conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning differences. Tailored for professionals working in or alongside Indigenous communities, the session emphasizes respectful, relational approaches rooted in cultural values.
Guided by the belief that all minds are sacred, this training encourages participants to reframe their understanding of neurodivergence through an inclusive, decolonial lens. It fosters awareness, compassion, and culturally safe support strategies for Autistic and otherwise Neurodivergent children, youth, and adults.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand foundational concepts of Autism and Neurodivergence within a culturally safe and strengths-based framework.
- Explore the impact of colonial perspectives on the perception and treatment of Neurodivergent individuals in Indigenous contexts.
- Recognize the sacredness and diversity of all minds and challenge deficit-based narratives around Autism and Neurodivergence.
- Apply culturally grounded and relationship-based practices to support Neurodivergent individuals in a respectful and inclusive manner.
- Promote advocacy and inclusive practices within systems serving Indigenous communities.
Free Resources from ACT
Autism Videos @ ACT (AVA) – Watch high quality online videos on diverse topics, including Toilet Training, Sleep, Mental Health, Sexuality, Individual Education Plans, Research, and much more – all available free, thanks to our sponsors!
ACT’s Autism and Intellectual Disability (AID) Search: The AID Search is an online portal that allows users to keyword search nearly 1,800 records information resources in 36 languages, 950 community resources in BC as well as research and autism news articles.
ACT in Chinese, ACT in Korean, and ACT in Punjabi
ACT’s Event & Training Alerts – Sign-up to keep in touch with our upcoming events and training opportunities.
ACT’s Facebook – Follow us on Facebook. ACT carefully sources interesting, insightful stories to inform our community of over 9,000 followers.