Description
In this engaging and affirming session, Dr. Meriah Ward draws from current research, personal experience as an autistic clinician, and real-world case vignettes to explore what it truly means to live and thrive at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender diversity. As more people identify as both neurodivergent and gender diverse, awareness and understanding of this population has never been more relevant.
Terms like neuroqueer, sensory dysphoria, and gender diversity are increasingly part of our cultural conversation, and many people encounter them without a clear understanding of what they mean or why they matter. Building awareness of how gender identity and sensory dysphoria are experienced in this population opens the door to recognition and compassionate care.
For clinicians, this session offers practical tools for providing affirming, culturally responsive care that moves beyond outdated diagnostic frameworks. For general audiences, it offers a window into the lived experiences of neuroqueer individuals, deepening empathy and understanding for the people in our lives, our communities, and our care.
Whether you are a provider, a family member, a friend, or someone navigating this intersection yourself, this session will expand the way you see, understand, and connect with the neuroqueer experience.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
Discuss key concepts of neuroqueer identity and sensory dysphoria.
Apply at least three evidence-informed, neuro-affirming, and gender-inclusive strategies in clinical or community-based practice.
Identify current research describing the co-occurrence of neurodivergence (e.g., ASD, ADHD) and LGBTQIA+ identities.
Neuroqueer Intersections: Understanding the Co-occurrence of Gender Diversity and Neurodivergence, Meriah Ward, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP (1 hr)
Meriah Ward, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC is a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Old Dominion University. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as an autistic clinician, Dr. Ward brings a uniquely personal and clinically grounded perspective to the care of neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ populations.
With extensive experience in primary care, outpatient psychiatry, federally qualified health centers, and telehealth, Dr. Ward has dedicated their career to serving underserved communities and addressing the social determinants of health. Their clinical specialties include neurodevelopmental disorders, mood and trauma-related disorders, substance use disorder, and gender-affirming care through hormone therapy.
A nationally recognized voice on neurodivergence in clinical practice, Dr. Ward has presented at the AANP National Conference, contributed CME content for Elite Learning, and been featured on the AANP NP Pulse Podcast discussing their lived experience as an autistic nurse practitioner. They have also served as Director of Clinical Education, adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, and consultant on LGBTQIA+ and neurodiversity-affirming healthcare policy and practice. Dr. Ward is a two-time recipient of the prestigious HRSA Advanced Nursing Education Workforce grant.