Mentalization for Neurodiverse Populations

RU’s Neurodiversity Task Force hosted a hybrid workshop at the RCAAS, "Mentalization for Neurodiverse Populations," presented by Dr. Stephanie Lyon, Assistant Teaching Professor, GSAPP Clinical Psychology Department. Dr. Christopher Manente, Executive Director (RCAAS), Clinical Associate Professor (GSAPP), and Chair (RU Neurodiversity Task Force), opened the engaging event.

Mentalization is the ability to understand our own and others' mental states and reactions that underlie overt behavior. Dr. Lyon and team members from the Cultivating Compassion Project provided a brief background on the theory of mentalization and its relation to neurodiversity, specifically focusing on individuals with ADHD and ASD. They also presented methods of supporting mentalization abilities in neurodiverse individuals and interactive activities designed to foster it.

RU-NB Chancellor-Provost, Dr. Francine Conway, who is committed to ensuring neurodiverse students' success, introduced Dr. Lyon in support of her important work.