“The Zebra Triad”
(EDS, POTS, MCAS) and Other Common Medical Conditions in the Autistic Community
When: Sunday, November 16th at 1:45pm EST
Where: LIVE on Zoom
Presented By: Sophia Ortiz, MA and Sophia McKnight, MA
Continuing Education: 1.25 NBCC CEs
This presentation provides an overview of medical conditions that commonly occur in autistic individuals, with an emphasis on the “zebra triad” (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome), fibromyalgia, and disorders of gut-brain interaction. It delves into common symptom presentations and the role of the neurodivergent nervous system in these. It explores the importance of early detection and intervention in order to monitor for or prevent disease progression and associated comorbidities and buffer neural pathways associated with a pain response. The presenters will also discuss interoceptive differences common among autistic people and how these impact diagnostic processes and management of medical conditions. The audience will receive helpful tips for screening within the scope of practice of their specific profession, providing appropriate medical referrals for further diagnostic clarity and treatment, and equipping autistic individuals with strategies for self-advocacy with their medical providers.
Learning Objectives
Describe the unique intersections between neurodivergence and chronic illness and how these shape lived experiences of clients in therapeutic and healthcare contexts.
- Apply neuroaffirming and disability justice-aligned frameworks to clinical practice when supporting neurodivergent clients with chronic illness.
Develop strategies to both refer clients to specialized care and advocate within interdisciplinary teams to ensure neurodivergent and chronically ill clients receive affirming, comprehensive support.
Is the course recorded?
Yes! We record live & email replay access to the recordings a few days after the course.
HOWEVER. LIVE attendance is required to qualify for the Continuing Education Certificate of Completion.
Can I get NBCC CEs for this course?
Unfortunately this course is not currently approved for NBCC CEs. Feel free to check back at a later date for any updates.
We also encourage you to reach out to your licensing board! Many educational offerings of this quality may qualify for continuing education credit independently.
Meet the Presenters
Sophia Ortiz, MA
Venmo: @sophiaortiz97
Sophia Ortiz (she/they) is a neuroqueer, chronically ill PsyD candidate in the APA-accredited Clinical Psychology program at The Chicago School with an emphasis in Health Psychology. She received her MA in Counseling Psychology with a Health Psychology concentration from The Chicago School. In addition to her formal education, Sophia is a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher. Their clinical and educational passions stem from the intersection of social justice and health psychology, and she is thrilled to dedicate her career to gender- and neurodiversity-affirming behavioral medicine and legislative advocacy to improve healthcare for the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities. Sophia currently provides neurodiversity-affirming psychological assessment, psychotherapy, and yoga classes designed for the neurodivergent nervous system at Re+Active Physical Therapy and Neuron & Rose Psychological Services, with a focus on the zebra triad and functional neurological disorders. She also provides consultation and continuing education regarding pediatric gender identity, LGBTQ+ allyship practices in schools, and body image.
Sophia McKnight, M.A.
Venmo: @sophiamcknight
Sophia McKnight (she/they) is a queer, AuDHD, chronically ill, and disabled doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (APA-accredited) with an emphasis in Health Psychology. Her studies and clinical approach are rooted in disability justice, somatics, and neuroaffirmative, trauma-informed care. She is passionate about exploring the mind-body connection, the role of the nervous system in physical/mental health, and the embodiment of one’s unique rhythms through movement. Her health psychology background focuses on EDS, dysautonomia/POTS, MCAS, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and others. Sophia engages in research that focuses on the impact of ableism on neurodivergent, disabled, and chronically ill individuals, especially those with multiply-marginalized identities within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. She hopes to ignite conversations that address the systemic inequities faced by these communities to help bring about meaningful change and work to cultivate more inclusive environments. Sophia currently provides neuroaffirmative assessment and psychotherapy services at Neuron & Rose Psychological Services.
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Autistic Clinical Insights is a scrappy group of autistic clinicians and allies with a desire to advance knowledge and clinical support for autistic people.
This virtual conference is hosted by NeuroAbundant, LLC an NBCC ACEP #7589.
© Copyrights by NeuroAbundant. All Rights Reserved.
Autistic Clinical Insights is a scrappy group of autistic clinicians and allies with a desire to advance knowledge and clinical support for autistic people.
This virtual conference is hosted by NeuroAbundant, LLC an NBCC ACEP #7589.
© Copyrights by NeuroAbundant. All Rights Reserved.