OCD and neurodivergence can look strikingly similar—yet require very different clinical responses. This course helps clinicians untangle overlapping features of OCD, autism, ADHD, and related presentations using a function-based, neuro-affirming framework.
Description:
OCD and neurodivergence can look strikingly similar—yet require very different clinical responses. This course helps clinicians untangle overlapping features of OCD, autism, ADHD, and related presentations using a function-based, neuro-affirming framework. Through real-world case examples, participants will learn to avoid common diagnostic missteps and apply thoughtful adaptations to ERP and other evidence-based treatments that reduce suffering without pathologizing neurodivergent identity.
Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants should be able to:
Analyze neurodivergence, neuro-affirming care, and OCD processes
Diagnose look-alike behaviors by function, distress, flexibility
Appraise diagnostic pitfalls in OCD + ND overlap
Prepare neuro-affirming adaptations to ERP, ACT, and I-CBT
Demonstrate screening and formulation tools
Target Audience: Introductory. For clinicians with little to no experience in the subject matter
Cost: $20
CE Information (more info below):
NBCC: 1.75 CE
ACEP No. 7365
Gina Abbondante, LLC
ASWB: 1.75 CE
ACE #1909
OCD Training School
APA: 1.75 CE
Getting Your Certificate: You will need to complete both a course evaluation and a course quiz. Please set aside ample time to complete both in one sitting. A course evaluation link will be provided in your course materials. Once you submit your evaluation, a quiz link will show up on the next screen. You will then take the quiz and upon a passing score of 80%, your certificate will automatically be sent to the email address you provide. You will have three attempts to pass the quiz. Please double-check the email address that you provide on the quiz (as well as the correct spelling of your name). Please check your spam folder if you do not see your certificate in your inbox.
Refund/Cancellation Policy: No refunds on asynchronous courses.
Accommodations: If you have a specific learning need, please email us at hello@ocdtrainingschool.com
About Your Trainers:
Gina Abbondante, LCSW
Gina began her education at Rider University, with a Bachelors of Psychology and concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. She went on to obtain a Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University in 2009, and completed her clinical licensure in 2012. During that time, she worked for Virtua Hospital’s The Center for Women in Lumberton. There, Gina counseled women experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, infertility, pregnancy/infant loss, and birth trauma.
Gina’s specialty and passion is treating anxiety disorders and OCD, particularly in pregnancy and postpartum. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Inference-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. In addition to treating clients, Gina also provides clinical supervision for LSWs and LACs looking to obtain clinical licensure, and consultation for training and tough cases.
Kim Cox, LMFT
Kim is an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and consultant with a strong background in clinical practice, managing clinical programs and teaching. With over 12 years of experience supporting families, children, adolescents, and adults in various clinical settings, she specializes in treating anxiety and OCD using ACT informed ERP and supporting loved ones of those with lived experience with anxiety and/or OCD through parent/family- focused approaches including SPACE/SPACE-FTL and Family Wellbeing Program Approach (FWPA). Further, Kim specializes in working with the intersection of OCD, ADHD, AuDHD or Autism with a focus on neurodiversity-affirming care. Her approach integrates specialized practices to effectively address the systemic impacts of anxiety and OCD on individuals with lived experience and their loved ones who are motivated to support their treatment goals and needs.
NOTE: This training is for individual clinician use only. If you have a group practice, you will need to set up an account for each individual clinician. SHARING OF ACCOUNTS, TRAINING ACCESS, OR PASSWORDS WILL RESULT IN TERMINATION OF TRAINING ACCESS. NO REFUNDS WILL BE OFFERED. Email hello@OCDTrainingSchool.com if you have any questions.
Gina Abbondante LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7365. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Gina Abbondante LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
OCD Training School, #1909, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards have the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 10/26/24-10/26/27.
OCD Training School is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. OCD Training School maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
OCD Training School is not responsible to verify that American Psychological Association, ASWB, or NBCC continuing education credits are approved by an attendee's respective state licensing Board.
Partial CE credit cannot be given. Live trainings must be attended in their entirety to receive credit. Partial credit cannot be given if an attendee joins late, leaves early, or is not present for the entirety of the live, virtual training.
There is no conflict of interest related to grant funding or research findings. There is no commercial support that would indicate a conflict of interest in regards to the program content, instructor, sponsor, or an endorsement of any other product.
You can reach us at hello@ocdtrainingschool.com
References
Cabarkapa, S., King, J. A., Dowling, N., & Ng, C. H. (2019). Co-morbid obsessive–compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Neurobiological commonalities and treatment implications. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 557.
Factor, R.S., Karp, E.A. Incorporating Considerations for Neurodivergence in the Context of Pediatric OCD Treatment. Curr Dev Disord Rep 11, 206–213 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-024-00305-y
O’Loghlen, J., McKenzie, M., Lang, C., Malone, S., & Paynter, J. (2026). Exploring Repetitive Behaviours in Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Qualitative Analysis. Neurodiversity, 4. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330261417368(Original work published 2026)