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Digital Seminar

Navigating ADHD Through a Trauma-Informed Lens

$129.99 Standard

Traumatic stress and ADHD share significant associations, according to a growing body of research on trauma and childhood maltreatment. Studies show that people with ADHD score higher than their neurotypical peers on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire. So how do we explain the connection between trauma and ADHD? How do we tease apart the diagnoses? And what do their similarities mean for symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment? In this workshop, we’ll use a holistic, trauma-informed frame to explore these complex questions, looking at trauma and ADHD as both distinct and co-occurring experiences. You’ll also learn: 

  • How untreated ADHD can lead to trauma, and vice versa  
  • Why epigenetics is key to understanding trauma’s role in ADHD symptoms   
  • How ADHD and trauma affect different parts of the brain and how this impacts behavior 
  • How to avoid reductionism when working with neurodivergent clients 

Here's What You'll Learn

Neuroaffirming & Trauma-Informed Care 

  • Meaning of neuroaffirming care 
  • How to become more neuroaffirming and trauma-informed 
  • Hard Questions in Trauma & ADHD 
  • Diagnosing for distress, impairment, and cultural context 

 

ADHD: Current Understandings 

  • Research updates including limitations 
  • Common presentations and risk factors 
  • Etiology and correlation with other conditions 
  • Untreated ADHD impacting treatment outcomes-including trauma 
  • ADHD, ACEs, & Attachment 

 

Bidirectionality of ADHD & Trauma 

  • Trauma as a risk factor for ADHD 
  • ADHD as a risk factor for PTSD 
  • Co-occurrence of ADHD + PTSD: presentations, symptom overlaps, combined impact 

 

Emotional Legacy of ADHD & Trauma 

  • Shame, stigma, grief, rejection sensitivity, anxiety, overwhelm 

 

Relational Wounds & ADHD 

  • Impact on family, peers, romantic relationships 

 

ADHD & Trauma-Informed Assessment 

  • Asking the right questions 
  • Providing therapeutic feedback when both ADHD and trauma are present 

 

ADHD-Friendly Intervention Approaches 

  • Addressing clinician biases 
  • Prioritizing interventions for emotional and relational challenges 
  • When to refer out for specialized care (e.g., EF coaching, trauma-focused therapy) 

Everything You're Getting

  • Two hours of video content
  • Up to 2.0 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

Meet Your Experts

Michelle Frank, PsyD

Toggle speaker biography

Dr. Frank is a clinical psychologist currently practicing at Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado in the Denver-metro area. She specializes in diagnosing and treating ADHD, particularly in women. She is co-author, along with Sari Solden, MS, of the book A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers. In addition to individual clinical work, Dr. Frank Provides Gottman Method Couples’ Therapy to couples impacted by ADHD. With a passion for advocacy, outreach, and education, Dr. Frank regularly contributes to national ADHD conferences and support programs. Dr. Frank is former vice president of ADDA – an international nonprofit organization supporting adults with ADHD. She is a member of APSARD – The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders. She graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Marquette University.


Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Michelle Dougher Frank has an employment relationship with Enrich Relationship Center of Colorado and is a professional expert contributor with Understood.org. She receives royalties as a published author. Michelle Dougher Frank receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Michelle Dougher Frank is a member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association, the Children and Adults with ADHD, and the American Professional Society of ADHD & Related Disorders.

More taught by Michelle Frank, PsyD

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS150451
Duration:
Two hours
Copyright:
Oct 10, 2025
Closed Captions:
Available
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs

We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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