Exploring Neurodiversity: Awareness, Assessment & Advocacy

About

Exploring Neurodiversity

Join us for a virtual, interactive educational series led by psychologist, speaker, and award-winning educator, Dr. Zuhra Teja, in collaboration with Ellahae Keshmiri, MA, RCC.
 
Did you know that 1 in 5 individuals worldwide are identified as neurodivergent?  Our perspectives on neurodiversity have a direct impact on the quality of our interactions and experiences at home, school, and work.  This 5-part workshop series aims to build a deeper understanding of neurodiversity in a practical, accessible, and meaningful way.  Participants will explore the range of strengths, challenges, and experiences associated with neurodivergence, while learning research-informed approaches that may be helpful in different situations to foster an inclusive environment.  
 
This series is suitable for parents, educators, health professionals, or employers including individuals who are wondering if they or someone they support may be neurodivergent and may benefit from a formal assessment.  Our overall aim is to foster greater awareness of both the “neuro” and the “diversity” of neurodiversity. 
 
Participants will gain practical insights to help better understand, observe, communicate, and contribute to more inclusive school, community, and workplace environments.  

The Series

You’re welcome to register for the full series or select the individual sessions that interest you most. 

  1. Observe, Listen, Respond, Refer: Meaningful Conversations about Neurodiversity. Aug 17
  2. Beyond Labels: The Purpose and Process of Assessment.  Sep 14
  3. Executive Functions: The Skills Behind Everyday Performance. Oct 19
  4. Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Being observant, being inclusive, being effective.  Nov 16
  5. Masks aside: Identifying as neurodivergent. Self-awareness, Self-acceptance, Self-advocacy. Dec 14

1. Observe, listen, Respond, Refer

This workshop focuses on building awareness and curiosity when it comes to recognizing and understanding neurodiversity. Participants will learn what to listen for, how to notice patterns in thoughts, behaviours, and experiences, and how to approach these conversations with openness and care. Whether you are reflecting on your own experiences, supporting a loved one, or working as a care provider, this session will help you develop the skills to respond thoughtfully and consider when and how to guide next steps, including seeking further support or assessment.

2. Beyond Labels

This workshop explores what a thorough, evidence-based neurodiversity assessment looks like and what to expect throughout the process. Participants will learn how to seek out a qualified professional, what a comprehensive assessment should include, and how to distinguish between cursory evaluations and more in-depth, meaningful assessments. Whether you are considering an assessment for yourself or someone you support, or are a professional looking to confidently refer patients or clients, this session will help you feel informed, prepared, and clear on what to look for.

3. Executive Functions

This workshop explores what executive functioning is and how it shows up across the neurodiversity spectrum. Participants will gain a clear understanding of key executive function skills—such as attention, organization, planning, emotional regulation, and follow-through—and what it can look like when these areas are challenging. Whether for yourself, a loved one, or in your professional role, this session will help you better recognize these patterns and build a more compassionate, practical understanding of everyday functioning.

4. Neurodiversity in the Workplace

This workshop explores how neurodiversity can impact both professional and personal functioning, particularly in workplace settings. Participants will gain insight into how challenges may show up in areas such as communication, organization, focus, time management, and navigating expectations. Through practical examples, this session will help you better recognize these patterns in yourself or others, while building a more informed, compassionate, and inclusive approach to supporting success at work.

5. Masks Aside

This workshop brings the series together by exploring how greater understanding of neurodiversity can foster deeper self-awareness and self-compassion. Participants will reflect on what it means to move beyond masking, recognize their own needs and patterns, and develop the confidence to advocate for themselves across different areas of life. Whether personal or professional, this session supports a more authentic, informed, and empowered way of showing up.

meet the facilitators

Meet Dr. Teja, Registered Psychologist, PhD

Dr. Teja is a llicensed psychologist and owner of Self-EDvocate Education and Diagnostic Center, specializing in psycho-educational assessments for children and young adults with learning difficulties. She also serves as Vice-Principal of the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism and Related Disorders, supporting educators across the province.

Meet Ellahae Keshmiri, MA, RCC, EMDR Certified Therapist:

Ellahae is the Founder and Clinical Director of Unitive Mental Health & Wellness Clinic. With over 17 years of experience in the field of mental health, she brings extensive clinical expertise. Her background spans community, hospital and acute care settings, as well as private practice, allowing her to support a wide range of client needs with care and compassion.

At Unitive Ellahae leads a team of dedicated therapists with a strong focus on thoughtful, personalized, and compassionate care. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-based approach to care, while continuing to provide clinical services grounded in a holistic, wraparound perspective.

Register Now:

We are currently accepting registrations for our next upcoming workshop starting Aug 17, 2026. 

Investment: $30 + GST  per person, per session. 

Register below or contact us directly at 604-356-9043  or email  info@unitiveclinic.ca

Common Questions about

Exploring Neurodiversity Series

This is a series of five, one hour virtual interactive and educational workshop offered once a month starting Aug 11, 2026.

No, you can attend whichever workshop that speaks to you and peaks your interest, however we have created them in a way to flow one after the other.

Payments of $30 per person can be made via visa or e-transfer prior to the workshop and upon signing up.

ready to get started?

Register Today!

If you’re ready to register or have a question fill out this form to let us know!