(WC 94364 SMITH MYLES 2025) The Social World Unmasked: Teaching the Hidden Curriculum to Neurodivergent Minds

Course overview

Join Brenda Smith Myles, PhD, to gain a compassionate understanding of the "hidden curriculum"-the often-unspoken social rules and expectations that can create barriers to inclusion and well-being. You'll learn: Respectful, strengths-based strategies for supporting neurodivergent individuals in recognizing, interpreting, and choosing how to respond to social expectations in ways that honor their authenticity Tools to help individuals build agency and confidence by understanding context, prediction, slang, metaphors, and nonverbal communication-without pressure to mask or conform Approaches to embed direct instruction and self-advocacy into everyday life, fostering independence and informed choice across environments Through clinical stories, practical tools, and affirming guidance, you'll leave prepared to help your clients navigate the social world on their terms-supporting connection, autonomy, and emotional safety at every step.