Understanding Autistic Brain Differences: Implications for Supporting Autistic Children and their Families through Divorce/Separation

Presenters: Dr. Kelly Weegar is an Ottawa-based psychologist providing assessment and treatment services in private practice to children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Dr. Weegar earned M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Ottawa, with clinical training in a wide range of hospital, school, and community-based settings. Her research training focused on educating others about trauma and its potential effects on children’s well-being and functioning, especially teachers and other staff in school settings. Early in her career, Dr. Weegar became troubled by how often she was encountering missed or misdiagnosed autistic children and youth. This developed into a keen interest and ambition to improve autism screening and assessment, as well as access to neurodivergent-affirming care more broadly, both in her own practice and in the community. Her current practice focuses assessment and support for a wide range of cognitive, academic and social-emotional challenges, with specialities in autism and ADHD, as well as trauma and grief. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Weegar is a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa. She also provides clinical supervision and consultation to other licensed community mental health providers and those in training.

Dr. Julia Ryan is a registered clinical and school psychologist serving children, adolescents, and adults in the Ottawa region and throughout Ontario. She completed a combined M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Carleton University, with a research focus on social-emotional and academic functioning in the ADHD population. She has extensive clinical and research training from various school, hospital, and community settings. In 2022, Dr. Ryan opened her own practice to apply her combined school and clinical training to fill gaps in the community, particularly in providing neurodivergent-affirming care. As the clinical director of the practice, she supervises and consults with clinicians, manages clinic operations, and develops guidelines to ensure high-quality, inclusive mental health care. Her ongoing role at the Ottawa Carleton District School Board allows her to continue supervising clinicians at various training levels to support student well-being and the growth of school psychology. Diagnosed with autism and ADHD herself, Dr. Ryan is committed to promoting access to neurodivergent-affirming care for the autistic and neurodivergent population across Ontario with increased emphasis on the first-hand experiences of these populations. She offers a variety of professional development opportunities to mental health providers and other professionals working with the public.

Abstract: Over the past few decades, the prevalence of autism has risen from 1 in 150 to 1 in 36. This is partially due to our increased understanding of autistics who present with more subtle traits. Recent research also suggests there are still significant numbers of undiagnosed autistics, and that increased understanding of autism and neurodivergent-affirming care can be lifechanging for autistic individuals (and their families), whether diagnosed or not.

This workshop is geared toward professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of autism and neurodivergent-affirming care in order to better support autistic children and their families through the complexities of divorce/separation.

Overview of Autism: Brain Differences & Affirming Practices

The session will review autistic brain differences and various ways they can present across the lifespan, including in individuals with less obvious autistic traits. Through case studies and expert insights, attendees will be guided through:
• Practical overview of the diagnostic criteria for autism
• How autistic children, youth and parents may experience some of the complexities of separation/divorce (before, during and after)

Deadline to register: Tuesday March 25th at noon.

Meeting link and materials will be sent a day prior to the event.

This program has been accredited for 1 hour in professionalism credits.