Description

Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:

1. Identify key limitations of traditional trauma-informed models when applied to neurodivergent populations.
2. Explain the role of somatic and sensory processing in trauma responses among neurodivergent clients.
3. Apply neurodiversity-affirming principles to trauma assessment and treatment planning in clinical social work practice.

Presenter Bio

Kai Rockwell, LCSW, is a Doctor of Social Work candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work and a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in trauma-informed practice. Kai currently practices in behavioral health settings with a focus on neurodivergent and trauma-impacted populations.
Kai’s clinical and scholarly interests center on developing ethical, person-centered approaches to trauma treatment that honor neurodivergent nervous system differences. Their doctoral capstone project, A Neurodiversity-Affirming Somatic Trauma Care Framework for Clinical Social Work Practice, investigates how somatic and sensory-informed methods can be integrated into trauma care in ways that reduce pathologization and enhance clinical engagement and outcomes.

In addition to clinical practice, Kai has contributed to supervision and professional development initiatives for practicing social workers as a Field Supervisor. Their broader research interests include complex trauma, sensory processing in clinical settings, autism and ADHD in adulthood, and anti-oppressive practice frameworks that support inclusive, equitable care.
Kai’s academic honors include induction into Phi Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies, as well as graduating summa cum laude with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Texas.

Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing

Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)

Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.

Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, 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 are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/25-9/29/28. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.

Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.

Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.