Neurodivergence in Adoption and Fostering: Understanding Autism and ADHD in the context of trauma

Who this is for

Adoption practitioners and managers (Voluntary Adoption Agencies, Regional Adoption Agencies, Local Authorities, and independent social workers), children’s social care services, children and family social workers, foster carers, kinship carers, designated teachers, and other professionals working with children and families.

Details

This expert-led workshop supports adoption and fostering practitioners to develop a deeper, neuro-affirming understanding of autism, ADHD and neurodivergence in children and young people.

Many children in adoption and fostering are neurodivergent. Their ways of experiencing, processing and responding to the world may be recognised early, emerge over time or become more visible as expectations, relationships and environments change. When practitioners understand these differences, they are better able to recognise children’s strengths, reduce barriers and work alongside families to provide timely, compassionate and individualised support.

I found the whole training useful. It gave me a lot of activities I can integrate into current treatments. – Attendee 2026

Grounded in Family Futures’ neurodevelopmental, trauma-informed and relationship-based approach, this workshop explores neurodivergence in the context of developmental trauma and early adversity. Participants will consider how neurodivergence and trauma can interact to shape children’s experiences, while recognising that neurodivergence is a natural aspect of human diversity rather than a consequence of trauma.

I thought the facilitators were so approachable, knowledgeable and extremely professional in their approach. – Attendee 2026

Rather than asking “What’s wrong with this child?”, practitioners will be encouraged to ask “What has this child experienced?”, “How do they experience the world?” and “What helps them feel safe enough to thrive?”

The whole course was useful, especially the examples of direct work with children & young people. – Attendee 2026

The workshop explores how neurodivergence and trauma can influence emotional regulation, sensory experiences, communication, relationships and behaviour, while recognising that every child’s profile is unique. Participants will develop a more nuanced understanding of how neurodivergence and trauma can present similarly, differently, and in combination – building confidence in responding compassionately even when the underlying cause isn’t clear.

Learning 0utcomes

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the diverse characteristics of autism, ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence, understanding that every child presents differently.
• Understand how neurodivergence and developmental trauma can interact to affect emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing, relationships and behaviour.
• Apply a neuro-affirming, trauma-informed approach to assessment, formulation and support planning within adoption and fostering services.
• Identify children’s strengths as well as their support needs to promote stability, belonging and positive outcomes.
• Apply practical strategies and effective partnership working to support neurodivergent children and young people.

About the trainer

Georgie Kovoor – Clinical Specialist Therapy Services at Family Futures – MA in Music Therapy, Theraplay Level 1 & 2, Group Theraplay, ADI-R (Autism Assessor) and HCPC registered (AS16748)

Georgie is an experienced Music Therapist who uses sound and creative approaches to support children and young people in expressing themselves. She creates a safe and supportive environment where emotional and relational challenges can be explored, helping individuals better understand their experiences and make sense of them over time.

She works with a wide range of families and has particular experience in supporting children and young people with additional needs and diverse neurological profiles, tailoring her approach to meet each individual’s strengths and needs.

Instructions

A member of staff will be in touch with attendees one week prior to the event to share a pre-event delegate pack.

If you have any questions regarding this webinar, please contact us at [email protected]. We will aim to answer your query within two working days.

CVAA accept online payments only. In case you do not have instant access to your company card, we suggest using your personal card instead to book a training event and claim it back with your agency in your expenses. Requesting an invoice to pay for our standard practice events is not possible.

By purchasing this training, you agree that recordings may be used for educational and promotional purposes. Participants will be blurred and anonymised.