Neurodiversity Network of WNY

04/26/2026

Lindsay and Rojita led a really helpful discussion on improving at-home dental care and navigating dental appointments, including how to speak up for your child’s needs. We also talked about the challenges kids with sensory sensitivities face and some ways to ease the process.

Thank you to the Erie County Department of Health for coming out and for the bags of supplies, UB Dental School for the donated “dress like a Dentist kits”, Kid Approved for the different dental books and sensory supplies, and Art of Advocacy for providing the food.

Last but not least a big thank you to our amazing respite volunteers who always show up for our kids and have so much fun together!
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We hope to see you at our next event!

04/24/2026

Are you tired of coping skills that feel like they were made for someone else? You’ve tried the standard suggestions, but you’re still looking for something that actually works in the heat of the moment. If traditional tools aren't cutting it, it’s likely because you need a strategy that provides the specific sensory input your body is looking for.

Come hang out with Evlena and join us as we work together to make WNY more neurodiversity-affirming. Let’s move beyond the basics and explore tools that respect our biology and support our sensory needs.

Link to register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

04/24/2026

We’ve all heard it: "Just teach them to breathe" or "tell them to use their words," but when someone is in a state of sensory overwhelm, the logical brain has left the building. You can’t reason with a nervous system that doesn't feel safe.

Join Evlena at Beyond Awareness: Creating Neurodiversity Affirming Spaces (October 19th) to explore a different way to settle your system through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping. EFT Tapping is an evidence-supported, sensory practice that uses bilateral stimulation to help your brain & body feel grounded and secure.

Stop trying to "think" your way through a meltdown. When the logical brain goes offline, the body needs a physical signal of safety. EFT Tapping is that signal. Use it to ground yourself in the heat of the moment, then share the tool to help others find their way back. Don't just manage the behavior, regulate the system.

Here’s the link to register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

04/13/2026

Respite is full but we still have spots for parents and caregivers!

Link to register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/supporting-neurodivergent-children-with-dental-care

04/09/2026

When we lead with cultural competence:
• We create more inclusive and affirming learning environments
• We strengthen relationships with students and families
• We reduce bias and misinterpretation in assessment and support
• We empower every student to feel seen, heard, and valued

This conversation is for anyone who wants to grow, reflect, and better serve diverse learners.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, challenge your perspective, and be inspired.

Beyond Awareness: Creating Neurodiversity Affirming Spaces- https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

04/09/2026

We’re excited to announce another powerful guest speaker, Saladin Allah, who will be diving into The Power of Cultural Competence at Beyond Awareness: Creating Neurodiversity Affirming Spaces.

Cultural competency isn’t just “a nice thing to learn”, it’s at the heart of effective, equitable service delivery. Every student brings a unique background, identity, and lived experience into the classroom. As service providers, our ability to understand, respect, and respond to those differences directly impacts how we build trust, communicate, and support student success.

Link to Register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

04/09/2026

Thank You, UB School of Dental Medicine!
We’re thankful for their generous “Dress Like a Dentist” donation. Thanks to their support, every participating family will receive a complete dental kit, including:
Dental Gown, Mask, Gloves, Mirror, Prophy Angle (Tooth Tickler), Bib, Bib Cup, Misty Thirsty (Suction), Soft Gauze, Toothbrush, Floss Picks, 2-Minute Timer, Toothpaste.

These supplies will be a great tool for pretend play, helping children get familiar with dental equipment in a fun, controlled setting at home. It’s a great way to help ease some fears they might have about visits to the dentist and make learning about dental health an enjoyable experience.

We still have spots available for parents/caregivers! Link to register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/supporting-neurodivergent-children-with-dental-care

04/05/2026

🌟 Come Hang Out with Speech Path Jill! 🌟

Are you passionate about making WNY more neurodiversity-affirming? Join us and a vibrant community of learners as we work together to create more inclusive, understanding, and supportive environments for neurodivergent people in our region. Let's connect, learn, and grow together to make a difference!

Link to register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

04/05/2026

We just want to take a moment to express how grateful we are for Jill. She’s not only incredibly skilled in child-led therapy, but she also has her own therapy space where she works directly with children who are Gestalt Language Processors (GLP). Her dedication to understanding and supporting our kids is truly inspiring. She is such an asset to our community. She’s a leader and an educator, always sharing her knowledge so others can provide the best care possible. We’re so excited for everyone to hear from her at our upcoming event.
Here’s the link to register: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

Thank you Jill for your generosity, commitment, and the incredible work you do to help children and families. We’re so lucky to have you in our corner! 💙

04/02/2026

We’re so excited to announce our first presenter for Beyond Awareness: Creating Neurodiversity-Affirming Spaces, Laurie Belanger, LCSW-R

Laurie brings over 25 years of experience working as a trauma therapist, speaker, and trainer with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Her work is grounded in a strengths-based, practical approach, and she has a deep focus on complex developmental trauma, dissociation, and sensory processing.

Laurie will be speaking about the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) breaking down the science of nervous system regulation and what it really means to create felt safety in both therapy and everyday environments. She’ll also explore how understanding these concepts can help us better support regulation, connection, and healing. We’re honored to have her join us and share her knowledge with our community.

You can learn more about Laurie here: https://www.lauriebelanger.com

Registration link: https://www.neurodiversitynetworkofwny.org/event-details/beyond-awareness-creating-neurodiversity-affirming-spaces

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available for OTs, PTs, SLPs, Teachers, and Social Workers, courtesy of Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center.