A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach To Teaching Social Skills

Live webinar: Tuesday, 2nd June2026
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm AEST
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Liz Baird, Speech Pathologist
CPE: 1 hour (certificate provided)
Access: Live attendance + recording and resources

Webinar Summary

Traditional social skills programs often aim to teach neurodivergent students how to look more neurotypical—frequently at the cost of authenticity, wellbeing, and self-esteem.

This webinar reframes social learning through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, focusing on understanding communication differences rather than correcting them. Led by speech pathologist Liz Baird, the session explores how educators can support social connection, communication, and relationship-building without enforcing conformity or masking.

Designed for classroom teachers, learning support staff, and school leaders, this session offers practical, respectful alternatives to deficit-based social skills teaching—grounded in real classroom contexts and contemporary neurodiversity-affirming practice.

This Webinar Covers

• Why traditional social skills programs often miss the mark for neurodivergent students

• The difference between teaching social compliance and supporting genuine communication

• Understanding diverse communication styles, preferences, and social needs

• Common misconceptions about “appropriate” social behaviour in schools

• How to support:

  • social understanding without scripting or forcing eye contact

  • peer relationships through shared interests and context

  • communication differences across classroom and playground settings

• Practical strategies for teaching social understanding in affirming, flexible ways

• Creating environments where social connection can emerge naturally

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Understand what a neurodiversity-affirming approach to social learning involves

• Recognise the limitations and risks of compliance-based social skills programs

• Identify diverse communication styles and social preferences in students

• Apply practical strategies that support authentic social connection

• Foster inclusive classroom environments that respect difference rather than enforce sameness

• Feel more confident supporting social development without encouraging masking

About Liz Baird

Speech Pathologist

Liz is an Autistic speech pathologist who works with Autistic youth and young adults, with a strong focus on supporting authentic social communication. Liz develops training and resources to help professionals shift away from traditional approaches and adopt neurodiversity-affirming practices. She is passionate about translating affirming values into practical, real-world steps for therapists, educators and support staff. She is on Instagram @ND_Speechie

Access & Pricing

• Individual webinar access: $99 incl. GST

• Full 10-part series: $550 incl. GST
  (Includes this webinar plus 9 additional sessions in the Engaging Neurodivergent Learners series)

All participants receive access to the webinar recording, downloadable resources, and a CPE certificate upon completion.

REGISTER NOW

Please note: This event is only accessible to people who have paid for registration. Inviting additional staff or persons to watch with you is strictly prohibited without additional registration. For large group registrations, please contact us for group pricing.