A Deep Dive into Adult ADHD: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach for Mental Health Professionals (12/9 + 12/11)
Do you notice that you’re having more conversations about ADHD in your practice? Do you wish you felt more confident identifying ADHD in your clients? Do you need a stronger framework for supporting adults with ADHD as they navigate executive functioning, daily life, and emotional regulation?
This intermediate-level, 2-session, 8-CE training goes beyond the diagnostic criteria to explore what mental health professionals need to understand about adult ADHD in clinical practice. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of the adult ADHD experience and key executive functioning skills while exploring both the strengths and challenges associated with ADHD.
The training will examine how ADHD may intersect with race, gender, sleep, sensory experiences, eating, trauma, sex, employment, and learning, as well as considerations for identifying ADHD and its differing presentations, differential diagnosis, and options for assessment. Actual assessment procedures will not be covered. Participants will also explore common reactions and experiences following an ADHD diagnosis.
The training introduces the 4 Blocks Model of Task Execution, developed by Bobbi-Jo Molokken. This practical framework helps clinicians identify common factors influencing task completion. The model can be used proactively to create conditions that support clients in completing tasks or reflectively to identify barriers, guide problem-solving, and prioritize treatment interventions.
The material is presented through a neurodiversity-affirming lens and is designed for clinicians who have a foundational understanding of ADHD and want to move beyond the basics toward greater clinical depth and confidence.
Event Learning Objectives
After attending this event, you should be able to
- 1 Describe key features of the adult ADHD experience beyond DSM diagnostic criteria, including common strengths, challenges, executive functioning differences, and differing presentations.
- 2 Analyze how ADHD may intersect with individual and contextual factors, including race, gender, sleep, sensory experiences, eating, trauma, sex, employment, and learning.
- 3 Differentiate ADHD-related experiences from other conditions or contextual factors that may present similarly and identify key considerations related to ADHD assessment and differential diagnosis.
- 4 Apply the 4 Blocks Model of Task Execution to identify barriers to task initiation, persistence, and completion and guide clinical problem-solving.
- 5 Apply neurodiversity-affirming clinical considerations and treatment strategies when working with adults with ADHD.
References & Resources
Pozo-Rodríguez, M., Cruz, S., Conde-Pumpido-Zubizarreta, S., Carracedo, A., Tubío-Fungueiriño, M., & Fernández-Prieto, M. (2026). A systematic review on the association between executive function and emotional regulation in autism, ADHD, and autism/ADHD. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 106570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2026.106570
Rosenthal, E. A., Mitchell, J. T., Weisner, T. S., Silverstein, N., Yi, C., Arnold, L. E., ... & Jensen, P. S. (2025). What can adults with ADHD tell us about their experiences? A review of qualitative methods to map a new research agenda. Journal of Attention Disorders, 29(13), 1190-1212. https://doi-org.proxy.luther.edu/10.1177/10870547251352589
Williams, T., Horstmann, L., Kayani, L., Lim, A. X. H., Russell, A., Ford, T., ... & Martin, J. (2025). An item-level systematic review of the presentation of ADHD in females. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 171, 106064. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2025.106064
Kofler, M. J., Soto, E. F., Singh, L. J., Harmon, S. L., Jaisle, E. M., Smith, J. N., ... & Musser, E. D. (2024). Executive function deficits in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. Nature Reviews Psychology, 3(10), 701-719. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44159-024-00350-9
Attoe, D. E., & Climie, E. A. (2023). Miss. Diagnosis: A systematic review of ADHD in adult women. Journal of attention disorders, 27(7), 645-657. https://doi.org/10.1177/10870547231161533
Sonuga-Barke, E., & Thapar, A. (2021). The neurodiversity concept: is it helpful for clinicians and scientists?. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(7), 559-561. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00167-x
Virginia Board of Counseling
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
Conference Agenda
Dec 9th, 2026
Understanding Adult ADHD: Executive Functioning and Task Execution
This session provides an in-depth exploration of the adult ADHD experience beyond DSM diagnostic criteria. Participants will examine the history of ADHD, differing perceptions and internal experiences, and common strengths and challenges associated with ADHD. The session will focus on executive func...
This session provides an in-depth exploration of the adult ADHD experience beyond DSM diagnostic criteria. Participants will examine the history of ADHD, differing perceptions and internal experiences, and common strengths and challenges associated with ADHD. The session will focus on executive functioning and ADHD, including how executive functioning differences may affect task initiation, persistence, and task completion. Participants will also be introduced to the 4 Blocks Model of Task Execution and apply a neurodiversity-affirming framework to identify barriers, support task completion, and guide clinical problem-solving.
Learning Objectives
After taking this activity, you should be able to:
- Describe key features of the adult ADHD experience beyond DSM diagnostic criteria, including common strengths, challenges, and differing presentations across the lifespan.
- Differentiate key executive functioning skills and identify common ways ADHD may affect executive functioning.
- Apply the 4 Blocks Model of Task Execution to identify factors that may interfere with a client’s ability to initiate, sustain, or complete tasks.
- Apply neurodiversity-affirming strategies to help clients address executive functioning challenges.
Dec 11th, 2026
Adult ADHD in Context: Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Practice
This session will examine the intersections between ADHD and race, gender, sleep, sensory experiences, eating, trauma, sex, employment, and learning. Participants will explore differing presentations of ADHD and considerations for identifying and differentiating ADHD-related experiences from other c...
This session will examine the intersections between ADHD and race, gender, sleep, sensory experiences, eating, trauma, sex, employment, and learning. Participants will explore differing presentations of ADHD and considerations for identifying and differentiating ADHD-related experiences from other conditions or contextual factors. The session will also address considerations related to ADHD assessment, common reactions and experiences following an ADHD diagnosis, and guidelines for working therapeutically with adults with ADHD. Participants will apply a neurodiversity-affirming lens to clinical considerations and treatment strategies for adults with ADHD.
Learning Objectives
After taking this activity, you should be able to:
- Analyze how factors such as race and gender may intersect with adult ADHD experiences.
- Describe the impact of ADHD on daily life experiences related to eating, sleep, sex, sensory needs, employment, and learning.
- Differentiate ADHD-related experiences from other conditions or contextual factors that may present similarly.
- Identify key considerations for identifying and assessing ADHD, including differing presentations and differential diagnosis.
- Apply neurodiversity-affirming clinical considerations and treatment strategies when working with adults with ADHD.
Conference Speaker
Bobbi-Jo Molokken, LISW, CCTP
Bobbi-Jo Molokken, LISW, CCTP (she/her), is a psychotherapist, ADHD coach and educator, and founder of Compassionate Curiosity Counseling and Embrace the Muchness, based in Decorah, Iowa. She specializes in adult ADHD, trauma, and neurodiversity-affirming care, integrating nervous system-informed, holistic, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and anti-oppressive perspectives into her work. Drawing from experience in private practice, college mental health, and addiction treatment, Bobbi-Jo utilizes a systems approach to help individuals and professionals better understand the many factors that shape how people think, feel, and respond. She is known for translating complex research into practical, compassionate strategies that foster insight, self-compassion, and meaningful change. She regularly provides consultation and professional training for clinicians and other helping professionals seeking to better support neurodivergent individuals.
Bobbi-Jo's passion for ADHD education is both professional and personal. Diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and raising children with ADHD, she brings both lived and professional experience to her work. Through therapy, coaching, consultation, training and educational resources, she helps people move beyond stigmatized assumptions, foster more supportive environments, and recognize the strengths and needs of neurodivergent individuals with greater understanding and compassion.
Presenting Sessions:
Understanding Adult ADHD: Executive Functioning and Task Execution
Adult ADHD in Context: Differential Diagnosis and Clinical Practice
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Frequently Asked Questions
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