Overview:
Youth and young adults are becoming more and more susceptible to being manipulated into very extreme views online. We are seeing an increase in groups like Incels, neo-Nazis, Proud Boys, tradwives, and similar groups that often target younger generations with the promise of understanding, connection, and making change. Neurodivergent youth and young adults may be at higher risk for this exploitation. In this training, we will review current research about online radicalization, common groups that neurodivergent youth may start to feel connected to, how to have conversations about what we take in through media, watching for signs of radicalization, and providing proactive education as well as responding to warning signs in effective ways. The training is not meant to be political, but rather focus on how extreme groups may target neurodivergent youth, safety risks, and helping youth think critically about their media consumption.
Register Here $30
Training check in begins at 8:45 am.
Please notify Training & Consultation – comm.training@waisman.wisc.edu – if you are unable to attend. Cancellations made after 5:00PM the day prior to the training will be charged the full registration fee.
About the Presenter:
Ellen Merker, M.S. LPC, founding director of Heart Consulting LLC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma therapy for kids, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. She received her Master’s in Rehabilitation Psychology from UW-Madison, and has been working with neurodivergent kids, teens, and adults in various roles for 15 years. Ellen uses neurodivergent affirmative, sex-positive, and trauma-informed approaches in all work. In addition to trauma therapy, Heart Consulting also works to reduce gendered violence against people with developmental disabilities through education and training. Ellen also has extensive speaking experience, and has presented at conferences including Wisconsin Human Trafficking Conference, WI Planned Parenthood, National Project Search Conference, Wisconsin Reproductive Health Conference, and the Circles of Life Conference.
FFI: Please contact Michael Truman at 608-516-8410 or by email at mltruman@wisc.edu