Navigating social connections in teens focus of Dec. 11 webinar

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and OneOp will host a free webinar, “Connected Teens: Navigating Friendship Beyond Norms,” on Dec. 11 from 10-11:30 a.m.

The event will provide parents, educators and youth advocates with strategies to help teens navigate social interactions with peers who may learn in ways outside of traditional norms.

There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

The presenter is Jennifer Gerlach, a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist specializing in the intersection of neurodiversity and mental health, Belleville, Illinois.

Webinar learning objectives

Participants will discover methods to help teens build healthy, supportive relationships grounded in empathy and accepting environments where everyone can thrive.

Following the webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify three common social patterns in neurodivergent youth and learn ways to support them.
• Utilize three strategies to encourage positive interactions among neurodivergent youth.
• Understand the term “double empathy” and recognize the common misunderstandings neurodivergent youth encounter.

Continuing education credits available

OneOp certificates of attendance are available for those interested in additional documentation of professional development activities.

One and a half continuing education credits will be available in the following areas:

• Certified in family and consumer sciences, American Association for Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Certified family life educators, National Council on Family Relations.
• Social workers, licensed professional counselors, and licensed marriage and family therapists, University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work.

For more information about the webinar, contact Rachel Brauner, AgriLife Extension program specialist for Family and Community Health, Bryan-College Station, at rachel.brauner@ag.tamu.edu or 979-321-5021.