In November 2025, we were delighted to host our ‘Neurodiversity Affirming Practice and the Parents Plus Programmes‘ webinar. The workshop explored how we can take a neurodiversity affirming approach to our practice and to all the Parents Plus programmes.
With over 450 registrations and 270 plus attendees the webinar clearly engaged the Parents Plus Facilitator Community. It demonstrates the importance of appreciating neurodiversity and the commitment of Parents Plus Facilitators to identifying best practice with their families.
Below you can watch a short 10 minute video containing some highlights from the workshop, including:
- Core principles of neuro-affirming practice and why it can be so beneficial for parents and families, with Abigail Patikis
- Embracing neurodiversity and taking a strength-based approach with John Sharry
- Top tips for incorporating a neuro-affirming approach into your practice in our Panel Discussion.
The full recording of this workshop is available for all trained Parents Plus facilitators in the Members Area of our website here
Feedback and Reflections
When asked for their thoughts on the workshop, those in attendance offer very positive feedback and highlighted some of their key takeaways from the session:
I valued the insights from solution-focused practice on how to encourage the parent to be the expert and how we as professionals can facilitate this.
All informative, but listening to Abigail, from her perspective as a neurodivergent individual, parent and professional, was excellent…
It gave me some additional ideas to consider while also highlighting how well I already facilitate PP in a neurodiversity affirming manner
Pause sandwich from the early years programme is a great model and could be applied more universally in our delivery
‘Notice the glimmers as a counter to identifying triggers…we will be using this!
I really enjoyed the session and appreciate the amount of support that you offer to trained Parents Plus facilitators, thank you.
Reinforcing parental expertise and the great quote of supporting parents of ND children to have ‘the confidence to parent differently’ in the context of manualised programme delivery
Underpinning ethos of listening to parental expertise about their children, self and holding the belief that parents have the answers…this fits so well with our absolutely collaborative stance
It was a great session and again good to reflect on our practice and how we fully support parents who participate in Parents Plus courses so they get the most from attending.
More information about the workshop presentations
Empowering your practice: Integrating a neuro-affirming approach into supporting families
Abigail Patikis
- Neuro-affirming practice and why it matters.
- The unique challenges faced in neurodiverse families.
- How to create safe, inclusive spaces for parents.
- Ten practical tips drawn from lived experience that foster authenticity, validation, and connection.
- Tools to maximize parent accessibility, engagement, and retention, by meeting the needs of all parents.
Abigail Patikis is a highly experienced CAMHS Parent Support Lead Facilitator, an Independent Neurodiversity Trainer, and a passionate advocate for neuro-affirming parenting and practices. Drawing on extensive professional knowledge as the author of the CAMHS-exclusive Parenting Through Partnership Programme and an accredited Parents Plus Facilitator, she also offers a unique personal perspective as an Autistic ADHDer and a parent to three neurodivergent children.
Embracing Neurodiversity within the Parents Plus Programmes
John Sharry
- How to deliver the Parents Plus Programmes in a neuro-affirming way.
- Evolving parenting models to meet the needs of neurodivergent (ND) children.
- The importance of ‘tuning in’ and responding to the needs of ND parents and families.
Prof John Sharry is co-founder and clinical director of Parents Plus, an adjunct Professor at the School of Psychology in UCD and an Irish Times Parenting Columnist. He is the author of over 25 positive psychology, parenting books and mental health programmes, including the Parents Plus ADHD Childrens Programme and the Parents Plus Special Needs Programme. He has also developed a number of online mental health programmes for Autistic and ADHD adults. He has been working with families of neurodivergent/ neurodistinct children for nearly 30 years.