Beyond Compliance: Neurodiversity-Affirming Approaches to Anxiety

December 16, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM

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

Program Description
When anxiety presents as avoidance, refusal, shutdown, reassurance seeking, or difficulty tolerating change, traditional interventions can unintentionally increase the very distress they are intended to reduce. Neurodiversity-affirming practice invites us to look beyond observable behavior and consider what an individual’s nervous system, environment, and lived experience may be communicating.

In this focused webinar, Megg Thompson will explore anxiety through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, with particular attention to overwhelm, uncertainty, expectations, sensory and environmental demands, and the effects of pressure and judgment. Participants will consider how commonly used approaches may inadvertently prioritize compliance over regulation and will leave with practical strategies for supporting safety, autonomy, self-understanding, and meaningful participation.

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to:

1. Recognize ways anxiety may present through avoidance, shutdown, refusal, or other behaviors that can be misunderstood.
2. Explain how overwhelm, uncertainty, environmental demands, and pressure can contribute to anxiety among neurodivergent individuals.
3. Apply neurodiversity-affirming strategies that promote regulation, autonomy, and participation without relying primarily on compliance.