Module 1: Neurodiversity-Informed Breath Practices

In this first module, we explore innovative mindfulness practices tailored for neurodivergent individuals, starting with a brief overview of the research on mindfulness and neurodiversity. Recognizing that traditional mindfulness techniques can be challenging for some or even cause harm, this module introduces accessible breath practices designed to accommodate a variety of sensory preferences and needs. Learn how to adapt mindfulness techniques to make breath practices accessible and how to effectively offer a range of choices to enhance well-being, fostering a more inclusive and supportive mindfulness environment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand what neurodiversity is, the impact of sensory processing differences, why it’s relevant for mindfulness and the importance of accessibility in this growing field.
• Learn and practice adapted breath techniques suitable for neurodivergent individuals, to enhance engagement and well-being.
• Access strategies to create an inclusive mindfulness environment that respects and accommodates diverse needs.

Practices, activities and worksheets:

• Neurodiversity-Informed Breath Practice (10-min)
• Neurodiversity-Informed Breath Practice (15-min)
• Worksheet - Neurodiversity-Informed Breath Practice - 3 Sense Tools
• Worksheet - Neurodiversity-Informed Breath - Reflection Practice

Advanced Skills: Combined Breath Anchors

This advanced skills section delves deeper into the practice of combined breath anchors, designed to support neurodivergent individuals by integrating multiple sensory modalities. Participants will learn how to personalize mindfulness practices using a combination of interoceptive (internal) and exteroceptive (external) anchors. This approach helps in grounding and calming the mind, especially beneficial for those experiencing sensory overload or trauma.

This module provides practical neurodiversity-informed body-based awareness practices, tactical methods on how to use inclusive language and make practices accessible to unique brain profiles. Participants will explore body awareness tools specifically adapted to support neurodivergent individuals, accounting for a range of sensory processing experiences. Emphasis is placed on understanding the concept of masking and its impact, as well as developing techniques to accommodate sensory triggers and prevent overload. Through practical exercises and theoretical insights, you will learn how to create an inclusive and accessible mindfulness practice that supports diverse sensory needs.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the concept of masking and its impact on neurodivergent individuals in mindfulness practices.
• Gain skills to adapt body awareness and interoception techniques to accommodate different sensory processing styles.
• Experience and apply neurodiversity-informed body and imagery-based practices, such as the tense-release-notice method, to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in mindfulness sessions.

Practices, activities and worksheets:

• Body Meditation Practice - Tense-Release-Notice (15-min)
• Body Meditation Practice - Imagery - Melting Ice Cream (15-min)
• Body Meditation Practice - Heartbeat (15-min)
• Worksheet - Neurodiversity-Informed Body Practice - 3 Sense Tools
• Worksheet - Neurodiversity-Informed Body Reflection Practice

Advanced Skills: Interoception & Alexithymia in Neurodiversity-Informed Mindfulness 

This advanced skills section explores the role of interoception in mindfulness and the impact of alexithymia on emotional awareness and expression.  These learnings and practices focus on enhancing body awareness and emotional literacy. You will learn to address sensory overload concerns, offering practical techniques to create a more inclusive and effective mindfulness experience.

This module introduces concrete and grounded practices of movement for neurodivergent communities. Recognizing that accessibility means accommodating multiple ways of moving, we emphasize the importance of inclusive language and accessibility. This module also explores the use of music, varying focal points, and individualized adaptations in movement practices.

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn the language needed for neurodiversity-informed practice.
• Learn to adapt mindfulness practices to diverse needs by incorporating music, offering multiple ways to engage with practices (e.g., counting, breathing, visualizing), and understanding the importance of physical adaptations.
• Access neurodiversity-informed movement practices, including walking with different points of focus, synchronizing breath and movement, and adapting these practices for individual needs and preferences.

Practices, activities and worksheets:

• Movement Practice - Bird Wings Movement (3-min)
• Movement Practice - Walking with 2 Points of Focus (10-min)
• Spacewalk - Walking Practice with Music (10-min)
• Walking Meditation with No Music (20-min)
• Walking Meditation with No Music (15-min)
• Music Meditation (10-min)
• Worksheet - Neurodiversity-Informed Walking Meditation—5 Ways to Practice
• Worksheet - Neurodiversity-Informed Walking Meditation Reflection Practice

Advanced Skills: Mindful Movement “Off the Cushion” in Neurodiversity-Informed Mindfulness

This advanced skills section aims to foster an inclusive and accessible mindfulness experience, accommodating various sensory and mobility needs. These learnings and practices explore the integration of mindful movement practices into neurodiversity-informed mindfulness, emphasizing subtle, accessible techniques suitable for various sensory needs. You will engage in practices and discussions highlighting the importance of inclusive language, sensory-seeking vs. sensory-avoidant behaviors, and practical strategies for incorporating movement into mindfulness both on and off the cushion.

This module explores innovative ways of utilizing art and music with neurodivergent clients. Drawing from firsthand accounts and novel research findings from the CAMH Azrieli Centre, this module emphasizes the importance of art and music in providing concrete outcomes and effective focusing tools for neurodivergent populations. Participants will access and engage in practical exercises that highlight the mental health benefits of art and music, and learn how to incorporate these creative approaches into their work with clients.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how art and music can improve mental health and well-being, supported by research highlighting their therapeutic benefits for neurodivergent individuals.
• Learn how to adapt art and music activities to be inclusive and accessible for neurodivergent individuals, including strategies for integrating music into mindfulness practices, and the use of call-and-response techniques to enhance social interaction.
• Access mindful art exercises like "Flower Breath Art" and "Drawing the Breath," and music meditation exercises that are accessible to unique brain profiles.

Practices, activities and worksheets:

• Mindful Art Practice - Drawing the Breath (10-min)
• Mindful Art Practice - Mindful Flower Breath Art (10-min)

Advanced Skills: Compassion & Neurodiversity-Informed Mindfulness

This advanced skills section focuses on cultivating compassion within neurodiversity-informed mindfulness practices. These learnings and practices emphasize creating a safe, inclusive environment and encourage sharing and learning from each other's experiences. The “Sip of Kindness," practice which utilizes three different focal points, sensation, image, and phrase, and acknowledges that individuals connect to compassion practices in diverse ways, making it essential to offer various options.