State of the Science: Neurodiversity and Gender Diversity
Presenter: Lisa Diamond, PhD
Date: November 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM MST
Format: Live, interactive synchronous webinar | 1 hour
Content Level: Beginner
Target Audience: Clinical Mental Health Providers
CE Credits: 1 continuing education credit
Course Description
Many clinicians have noticed — or fielded questions from clients about — higher rates of neurodiversity in gender diverse populations. These perceptions are accurate. We now have more reliable evidence than ever before showing significant associations between neurodiversity and gender diversity, and this training brings clinicians up to speed on what the research actually shows, what remains unknown, and what it means for clinical practice.
This one-hour live training presents the most current research on the relationship between neurodiversity and gender diversity in accessible, common-sense language that clinicians can use directly with clients. Dr. Diamond will review what is now known — and not yet known — about higher rates of neurodiversity among trans and nonbinary individuals, and higher rates of gender diversity within neurodiverse populations, situating these findings within current scientific definitions and conceptualizations of the neurodiversity spectrum. The training then turns to clinical implications, exploring how providers can work more effectively and affirmingly with clients who exist at the intersection of both gender diversity and neurodiversity — a population that is increasingly present in clinical settings and deserving of care that honors the full complexity of their identities and experiences.
This training is grounded in the core social work values of dignity and worth, the importance of human relationships, and a commitment to social justice — affirming that evidence-informed, affirming care for neurodiverse and gender diverse clients begins with accurate knowledge and genuine curiosity.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this training, attendees will be able to:
Describe current scientific definitions and conceptualizations of the spectrum of neurodiversity and explain how these frameworks apply in clinical contexts.
Explain what is currently known and not yet known about higher rates of neurodiversity in trans and nonbinary individuals and higher rates of gender diversity within neurodiverse populations, including the limitations of existing research.
Apply current research findings to clinical practice by identifying strategies for working effectively and affirmingly with clients who are on the spectrum of both gender diversity and neurodiversity.
Cultural Sensitivity
This training explicitly addresses the influence of gender identity, neurodiversity, culture, and social context on the experiences of clients who exist at the intersection of gender diversity and neurodiversity. Participants are invited to examine their own unconscious biases related to both gender diversity and neurodiversity — including assumptions about diagnosis, identity stability, and the relationship between these two dimensions of human experience. The training recognizes that neurodiverse and gender diverse individuals often face compounding layers of stigma, misunderstanding, and barriers to affirming care, and that clinicians who are not adequately informed may unintentionally cause harm through pathologizing, minimizing, or misinterpreting their clients' experiences. By presenting the most current research in accessible language and discussing its clinical implications across diverse practice settings, the training supports culturally humble, self-reflective practice and equips clinicians to engage with this population with greater accuracy, sensitivity, and care.
Course Content
This training presents the most current research on the relationship between neurodiversity and gender diversity through engaging lecture and facilitated discussion led by Dr. Lisa Diamond, a leading researcher in human sexuality and gender identity. Drawing from the latest peer-reviewed literature, the session reviews current scientific definitions and conceptualizations of the neurodiversity spectrum, examines the evidence for significant associations between neurodiversity and gender diversity, and addresses what remains unknown about the reasons for this association — all in common-sense language that participants can use directly in conversations with clients. The training then explores clinical implications, offering practical guidance for working affirmingly with clients navigating both gender diversity and neurodiversity. Interactive Q&A provides opportunities for participants to connect the material to their own clinical questions and experiences.
Limitations, Risks, & Benefits
This online training provides a focused, introductory overview of the subject matter and is not intended to be comprehensive; clinicians seeking more advanced knowledge are encouraged to pursue additional training and engage with the primary literature. The science on the relationship between neurodiversity and gender diversity is still developing, and the content reflects the state of the research at the time of this presentation. No significant risks are anticipated, though participants may have existing assumptions or worldviews challenged in the process of engaging with the material. Benefits include increased scientific literacy around the intersection of neurodiversity and gender diversity, enhanced ability to discuss these findings with clients in accessible language, and expanded frameworks for working more effectively and affirmingly with clients navigating both dimensions of identity.
About the Presenter
Lisa Diamond, PhD, is a professor of Psychology and Gender Studies at the University of Utah, where she has worked since 1999. Her research focuses on mental health among LGBTQ+ populations, sexual and gender identity across the life course, sexual and gender fluidity, and childhood and adolescent trauma exposure — including religious trauma — among LGBTQ+ individuals. Dr. Diamond collaborates frequently with clinicians and brings a research-informed perspective that emphasizes the critical role of social safety and unconditional belonging on the health of marginalized populations.
Course Details
Delivery method: Live interactive webinar via the Institute learning platform
Course interactivity: Interactive — participants will engage in facilitated discussion and Q&A
Posttest/quiz: Because this is a live interactive course, a standard posttest is not required. Participation will be monitored throughout the session.
Certificate issuance: Certificates of credit will be issued immediately after course completion to participants who attend the full session and complete the course evaluation.
Contact for questions: institute@thehealinggroup.com
Accessibility accommodations: To request accessibility accommodations, please contact institute@thehealinggroup.com prior to the event. We are committed to making our trainings accessible to all participants.
ASWB ACE Statement:
The Healing Group Institute, provider number 2716, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 3/31/26 – 3/31/27. Social workers completing this course receive 1 continuing education credit.
AASECT CKA:
D. Topics related to sexual orientation and/or gender identity Primary fit.
B. Developmental sexuality from a bio-psycho-social perspective across the life course
C. Socio-cultural, familial factors in relation to sexual values and behaviors
AASECT ST:
A. Theory and methods of sex-related psychotherapy, including several different models
This program meets the requirements of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and is approved for CE credits. These CE credits may be applied toward AASECT certification and renewal of certification. Completion of this program does not ensure or guarantee AASECT certification. For further information please contact info@aasect.org.