Neurodivergent Considerations in Cancer and Grief Intervention
Tracks
Jacaranda - In-Person Only
| Monday, September 28, 2026 |
| 2:20 PM - 2:40 PM |
| Jacaranda Room |
Overview
Cecile Pierron, Canteen
Key Learnings
1. How to recognise neurodivergent distress in cancer and grief contexts
2. How to adapt existing interventions without changing models
3. How to reduce shame and misattunement in grief work
Speaker
Cecile Pierron
Psychologist
Canteen
Neurodivergent Considerations in Cancer and Grief Intervention
Presentation Overview
Neurodivergent young people affected by cancer often experience distress that is misread or pathologised. Sensory overwhelm in medical environments, literal thinking during uncertainty, and differences in emotional expression can complicate grief and trauma responses. Most cancer and bereavement models assume neurotypical processing. This brief session focuses on how to reduce clinical misattunement and make practical adaptations in everyday work.
The presentation centres on two key shifts. First, reframing presentation: understanding shutdown, alexithymia, perseveration, or blunt affect not as resistance, but as nervous system protection or processing difference. Second, adapting intervention delivery: modifying language, pacing, structure, and sensory load within familiar approaches such as ACT, CBT, and narrative work.
Participants will leave with concrete tools they can immediately apply, including sensory-informed session planning, scripts for literal communicators, and strategies to support grief when emotional expression does not match expectation. The emphasis is on small, realistic clinical adjustments that improve engagement, reduce shame, and increase safety in time-limited oncology and bereavement settings.
The presentation centres on two key shifts. First, reframing presentation: understanding shutdown, alexithymia, perseveration, or blunt affect not as resistance, but as nervous system protection or processing difference. Second, adapting intervention delivery: modifying language, pacing, structure, and sensory load within familiar approaches such as ACT, CBT, and narrative work.
Participants will leave with concrete tools they can immediately apply, including sensory-informed session planning, scripts for literal communicators, and strategies to support grief when emotional expression does not match expectation. The emphasis is on small, realistic clinical adjustments that improve engagement, reduce shame, and increase safety in time-limited oncology and bereavement settings.
Biography
Cecile is a registered psychologist working with adolescents and young adults impacted by cancer, grief, and medical trauma. Her work focuses on neurodivergent-affirming practice within oncology and bereavement settings, with particular attention to ADHD and autistic presentations. Cecile draws on ACT, CBT, and narrative approaches, passionately adapting intervention to the individual and often adding play, creativity, and flexibility. She is drawn to translating complex clinical concepts into practical, usable strategies that reduce misattunement, shame, and disengagement for neurodivergent young people and their families.
