Beyond Compliance: Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches to ADHD

November 18, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM

Beyond Compliance: Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches to ADHD
Presenter: Megg Thompson
1 CEU

Program Description
Traditional approaches to ADHD often focus on increasing compliance, productivity, and task completion. A neurodiversity-affirming approach asks a different question: What is making participation difficult, and what does this individual need to be successful?

Building on the principles introduced in Beyond Compliance, Megg Thompson will explore ADHD through the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Participants will examine how differences in executive functioning, regulation, motivation, pace, transitions, overwhelm, and environmental demands can shape behavior that is often interpreted as avoidance, noncompliance, or lack of effort. The session will offer practical strategies for reducing unnecessary demands, increasing autonomy, and creating environments in which individuals with ADHD can more effectively access their strengths and participate successfully.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:

1. Identify ways ADHD-related differences may be misinterpreted as noncompliance or lack of motivation.
2. Describe how executive functioning, regulation, overwhelm, and environmental demands influence participation.
3. Apply neurodiversity-affirming strategies that support autonomy, regulation, and meaningful engagement.