APN Clinical Focus Webinar Thursday 30th April 2026 6:30-8:30pm

WEBINAR PRESENTATION - recording will be available to those who register

Recognising and Responding to Anxiety in Neurodivergent People

Jennifer Kemp, Clinical Psychologist & Adjunct Lecturer, School of Psychology, Adelaide University

Anxiety is one of the most common presentations in therapy for neurodivergent people, yet it is also frequently misunderstood. When anxiety is assessed and treated without considering the whole person, particularly the neurobiological differences associated with their neurotype, therapeutic interventions can be less effective and risk causing harm. This webinar will explore how anxiety presents differently across neurodivergent adolescents and adults. Drawing on clinical expertise and the lived experiences of her clients and herself, Jennifer will examine how anxiety intersects with Autism, ADHD, and other forms of neurodivergence, such as PTSD, paranoia, and bipolar disorder. Attendees will develop a clearer conceptualisation of anxiety in their neurodivergent clients, explore approaches to intervention, and learn about assessment options for screening neurodivergence and guiding therapy.

Learning objectives - By the end of this webinar, participants will be better able to:

1. Identify how anxiety can present in different neurotypes, including Autism and ADHD

2. Apply neurodiversity-affirming principles when working with neurodivergent clients with anxiety

3. Use evidence-based screening tools to identify neurodivergence and guide their therapeutic approaches

Please note: This presentation will focus on therapeutic practice with adolescents and adults and will not include recommendations for diagnostic assessments.

Jennifer Kemp is a clinical psychologist based in Adelaide, Australia. Her neurodiversity-affirming approach is founded on her own experience of being late-diagnosed as Autistic and an ADHDer, listening deeply to the experiences of her neurodivergent clients and extensive knowledge of the research. In her therapeutic practice and when training other therapists, Jennifer recognises and accepts the unique differences and strengths of people with different neurotypes. Founded on neurodiversity-affirming principles, Jennifer weaves together acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) with compassion-focused approaches to help her clients improve their mental health and develop greater self-acceptance, self-compassion, and pride in their neurodivergent identity.

Jennifer is the co-author of “The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate” and author of “The ACT Workbook for Perfectionism: Build Your Best (Imperfect) Life Using Powerful Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Self-Compassion Skills.”