All too often, parents of neurodivergent kids are met with explanations for their kids’ reactions that blame and shame rather than support and accommodate.

In this workshop, psychologist Dr. Gillian Boudreau introduces the “Startled, Trapped, Shamed” framework, a powerful way to understand the nervous system triggers that often drive big reactions in neurodivergent kids - particularly autistic PDAers.

When parents learn to recognize these hidden triggers, behaviors that once felt confusing or “out of nowhere” begin to make more sense. This shift in understanding can help parents respond with greater clarity and compassion, support their own nervous systems, and advocate more effectively for their children as they move through systems that so often misunderstand them.

About Dr. Gillian Boudreau

Gillian Boudreau (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist in practice in Portland, Oregon, with a focus on children, families, adults, and couples at the intersection of autism, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. Dr. Boudreau's work is about understanding and addressing our human need for attachment, connection, and effective communication in such a way that can help individuals, family systems, school systems, and larger organizations to support all brains and hearts.

She is a national speaker on topics including psychological safety and emotional intelligence, offers many courses and trainings on fear in institutional systems, trauma, neurodiversity, and mindfulness, and provides ongoing consultation for multiple school districts and organizations on neurodiversity-affirming approaches. Dr. Boudreau co-hosts two podcasts: "I Hate You. What's For Dinner?" With a focus on parenting and being parented, as well as "Stance of Curiosity" with a focus on school psychology. Dr. Boudreau offers content and resources related to emotional safety and connection on Instagram at @clearconnectionpsychology.

Startled, Trapped, Shamed: A New Lens for Supporting Neurodivergent Kids

By Care Lab Collective

Startled, Trapped, Shamed: A New Lens for Supporting Neurodivergent Kids