Title: Supporting LGBT+ Youth in School and Community Settings
Date: September 24, 2021
Speaker: Harry Voulgarakis, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Description: Research shows that youth who identify as LGBT+ are at significantly greater risk for harassment and discrimination, mental health challenges, and academic challenges. Fortunately, school-based interventions have been shown to reduce these disparities and help students to feel more supported. This workshop will review theories of identity development related to LGBT+ youth and how this may present to today’s world. We will also review common risk factors for behavioral and academic challenges and the intersectionality between LGBT+ profiles and common neurodiverse presentations such as those on the autism spectrum will also be discussed. Finally, participants will learn how to create safe and supportive learning environments for students with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.