Programs designed by the Neurodivergent Brain for the Neurodivergent Brain

Shannon has been building programs since she was in graduate school. She specialized in Program Development during her doctoral work and her passion for creating programs and structures for learning shows. These programs have been in existence since 2018 and have been (and will continue to be) updated since then. Shannon take feedbacks from actual people who she facilitates these programs for as well as new evidence and research and continually updates programs to be as inclusive, neurodivergent affirming, and accessible as possible.

Program Features

  • The online portion of the program allows participants to access the information as many times as they would like and at the times that work best for them. Access to the online programs continues after individual meetings end, meaning this resource remains for participants to continue to reference.

    - 1 section at a time - reducing anxiety

    - Subtitles available and optional

    - Short video lessons between 5- 15 minutes

    - Graphics and visuals for most concepts

    - Links to additional information and resources

    - Videos have slides and a static photo of Shannon, so you don't have to worry about getting distracted by backgrounds, light, or non-verbal communication

  • Unlike many professional services, participants are part of the process of writing their final report and their voice and lived experience is centered throughout the entire program. If a concept isn't resonating, we collaborate to find other ways of knowing to integrate learning for each participant.

    - Screen sharing and real time writing

    - Neurodivergent Affirming & Client Centered

    - Scripts written in client's words, not clinical language

    - Making the invisible impacts of neurodivergence visible & co-creating customized approaches

  • Most clinical reports are filled with jargon that is not accessible to participants or most other people on the employment team. Shannon Wagner, OTD created visual reports that distill all learning in programs to an accessible and easy-to-access document to be used across the employment team.

    - Easy to read and stay focused

    - Reports are graphically designed specifically to be easy for neurodivergent brains to access

    - Can be hung as a visual cue in participants homes to promote continued practice after individual the active part of the program ends

  • All programs offer strategies, structures, and invitations for how to understand each topic and apply it to each individual's life in ways that feel supportive. We acknowledge that society, environments, and lack of awareness in the employment setting can often be more disabling than the disability itself. We address these concerns head on, and while we can agree the world should be more accepting, we also focus on ways to navigate the world as it is, right now. You will never be required to mask inside your video sessions or interactions with Shannon Wagner, OTD.

  • We work hard to cultivate a feeling of partnership inside of our programs rather than unhealthy power dynamics that can sometimes exist within educational and therapeutic relationships. One of the ways in which we do this is co-creating the final reports, which are graphically designed and written without jargon so all readers can understand. We also cultivate an environment of openness and welcome feedback and open dialogue about the programs. We always honor exactly where participants are without judgment.

  • Safety is required when one is attempting to learn new skills and reflect on one's abilities and needs. All programs are LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, BIPOC, and HAES affirming. Care is taken to honor each person's identity, gender, learning styles, and needs within all programs. We recognize that these are not one size fit all, and we allow for the flexibility needed inside the programs to meet each unique set of needs.

*** Please note that many of these features refer to the process of working 1:1 with Shannon and may not apply in exactly the way the are outlined here in group settings or when you work through the programs on your own. 

Programs for Navigating Neurodivergence

in the employment setting (and beyond!)

  • Sensory Processing

    Gain an in-depth understanding of how sensory processing impacts your ability to be regulated and successful at work, identify concrete strategies for regulating your sensory input, and learn effective ways to communicate about sensory processing needs in the employment setting and beyond.

    Learn More

  • Emotional Regulation

    A trauma and nervous system-informed approach to emotional regulation that focuses on understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of how we regulate emotions. After this program, you will be equipped with concrete and practical skills you need to stay regulated in the employment setting and beyond.

    Learn More

  • Interpersonal Skills

    You will learn to better understand and navigate the often complex social norms and dynamics in the workplace, equipping you with a deeper awareness of invisible rules, interpersonal neurobiology, and cultural norms so that you can more effectively communicate and resolve conflicts quickly.

    Learn More

  • Time Management

    The Time Management Program provides you with essential tools to create weekly schedules tailored towards sustainable long-term employment, helping you identify work/life balance requirements, prioritize tasks and commitments, and communicate effectively about time-related boundaries.

    Learn More

  • Daily Routines

    Based on neurological research, this program provides an extensive guide to developing and implementing daily habits, creating SMART goals for sustainable change, and strategies for mitigating barriers to success in work-life balance so that you can set yourself up to be the best version of yourself and work and beyond!

    Learn More

  • Self - Advocacy

    This program provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills to systematically identify strengths and weaknesses, understand how your disability will impact you in the workplace and how to navigate accommodations. You learn how to apply for jobs that are best suited for your brain and neurodivergence for long term success.

    Learn More

FAQs

  • No I do not. I like to be upfront and super transparent that I am out of network for all insurances and do not bill insurance directly. I can provide super bills you can submit to insurance and see if they will reimburse/credit toward your deductible.

    I have chosen not to interact with insurance for several reasons my top 3 reasons are listed below

    1) Insurance is a 3rd party payer that will only pay me if it gets to tell me what my clients, when, how often, where, and for what length I can see my clients - I do not take kindly to that and want to maintain the ability to work with clients in ways that are most supportive and best practice, NOT what insurance will pay for.

    2) Insurance requires a ridiculous amount of paperwork for clients and my business - it would require me to have to set up a practice based on their requirements and not what is best practice for neurodivergent brains - which is most often simple streamlined processes that is as minimal as possible and ideally pleasant to interact with.

    3) It is often a harrowing process to get a diagnosis and referral for adults with Autism, ADHD, and Trauma in the medical system right now and I never want a diagnosis to be a pre-req for getting help. With insurance it often is. Running a cash pay practice means we get to work on your functional impacts (i.e. what you need help with) regardless of your diagnosis, which is one of the hallmarks of client centered practice - operating outside of insurance allows us to do just that.

    I operate outside of that system and it’s aligned with my values strongly, but can be a non-starter for many, and I understand that, so I like to be upfront and transparent about this, so you can make an informed decision.

  • $ 288 | Self Study + Community

    $ 1000 | 4 individual sessions with Shannon to integrate and apply program with support

    TBA | Group options will be coming soon to make the programs with support more accessible.

  • Great question! Right now Shannon is hard at work getting ready to offer groups for these programs again. We are shooting for Summer 2023. The best way to know about what is coming next is to sign up for the mailing list in the footer or follow Shannon on socials.

  • Well, these programs are designed to be able to start anywhere so that you can access the help when you need it, it’s best to start with sensory processing or emotional regulation as they are pretty foundational to the rest.

  • FOREVER. What I can promise you is that you will never lose access to your program you have purchased. What I can also be sure of is that I will constantly be updating these programs, adding new features, new concepts, and even new sections as new research comes available and as I continue to learn and bring you the resources and approaches that are really moving the dial for those who I support 1:1

  • Occupational therapy practitioners possess a unique and invaluable skill set. Think of us as the secret super heroes inside the systems that oppress. Their knowledge of the intricate interplay between people, their environment, and occupation (i.e. what you need or want to do) allows them to create programs that recognize barriers, as well as support on different levels, giving you an individualized path to success in achieving meaningful outcomes in any area of your life. We are also trained heavily in mental health as well as anatomy, physiology, and neuroscience so we are well suited to address physical limitations as well as psychological factors—such as social interactions or cognitive skills—which are the underlying hard parts of being neurodivergent in this society.

  • You can schedule a time to chat with Shannon or email programs@shannonwagnerotd.com with your questions and we will be happy to answer them for you