Introduction
Date Course Created: July 2026
Join this immersive training to explore how Polyvagal Theory can enrich clinical understanding and intervention strategies for children challenged by Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For professionals seeking a deeper, more neurobiological perspective on ADHD, this course provides a trauma-informed and solution-focused framework that moves beyond surface-level behaviors. By mapping ADHD presentations through the lens of the autonomic nervous system, clinicians will learn to recognize critical cues of dysregulation and tailor interventions that honor each child’s unique response patterns.
Grounded in current neurodevelopmental research, the session blends theory with actionable tools suitable for clinical, school, and family contexts. Participants will discover how to foster co-regulation and enhance a child’s attentional capacity using polyvagal-aligned techniques. You will leave with an individualized intervention toolbox incorporating somatic awareness, rhythm-based activities, relational safety, and strategies for noticing “glimmers” versus “triggers” to better support nervous system regulation in children with ADHD.
In addition to the formal course objectives listed below, this training includes:
- Access to sample documents that reflect ethical management of clients at risk due to consistent patterns of dysregulation.
- A general ethics review throughout the training that reflects best practice to support clients struggling with dysregulation and preventing therapist burn out.
- A review of the importance of obtaining and maintaining a relationship with a clinical supervisor or consultant to navigate challenging waters with dysregulated clients.
- A large resource of handouts: Mandatory Disclosure Checklist, Assessment Checklist, Safety Action Plan, Sample Behavior Agreement, Continuity of Care Checklist, and more.
This is a 2.5-CE noninteractive, self-paced online video course delivered in home study format via an industry-standard online learning platform.
Agenda
00:00 – 00:30 → Understanding Polyvagal Theory, Ventral & Dorsal Vagal States
00:30 – 01:05 → Neural Mechanisms Behind ADHD, Diagnosing ADHD: Key Considerations
01:05 – 01:40 → Integration of Polyvagal Theory, Co-Regulation, Creating a Trauma-Informed Environment
01:40 – 02:10 → Ethics in Treating ADHD with Polyvagal Theory, Safety Planning and Client Care Expectations
02:10 – 02:36 → Clinical Audits, Collaborative Approaches, Utilizing Handouts, Resources for Continued Learning
Objectives
This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:
-
After completing this training, participants will be able to identify the core principles of Polyvagal Theory and describe how autonomic state shifts can manifest in ADHD-related behaviors among children and adolescents.- After completing this training, participants will be able to differentiate between sympathetic and dorsal vagal responses in children, and analyze how these states may underlie common ADHD presentations, such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to apply trauma-informed, polyvagal-aligned techniques to enhance co-regulation and attentional capacity in therapeutic and educational settings.
- After completing this training, participants will be able to develop an individualized intervention toolbox that incorporates somatic awareness, rhythm-based activities, and relational safety to support nervous system regulation in children with ADHD.
Target Audience:
Professional Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and anyone providing services in the behavioral health care industry.
Instructional Level: Intermediate
Instructor(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS
Material Author(s): Jodi Ann Geis-Crowder, MS, LPC, ACS
For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.
Course Materials & Delivery Method:
Course Materials – The course is composed of a recorded presentation and written materials (e.g. a slide deck and/or other worksheets, manuals, or handouts as provided by the instructor). The slide deck and any additional worksheets or handouts (as provided by the instructor) are made available inside the Lesson module after a course is purchased.- Delivery Method – This course is a recorded asynchronous, self-paced webinar training, and there is no access time limit or due date to complete it once enrolled. The enrolled learner will stream the recorded presentation and view the materials from their internet connected device via an industry-standard online learning platform.
CE Approvals:
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Online CE Credits has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6795. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Online CE Credits is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
Mind Works Professional Education, Inc. DBA Online CE Credits, #1974, 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: July 23, 2025 – July 23, 2028. Social workers completing this course receive 2.5 clinical continuing education credits.
Other Helpful Information:
Refund & Cancellation Policy – You may review this policy at any time by clicking here.- Accessibility Accommodations – If you require a reasonable accommodation for any reason, please email your request to cc@onlinececredits.com.
- Course Completion Requirements – 1.) View the entire Lesson module (accessible from the main course page), to include the embedded and/or linked presentation video(s), slide deck, additional materials, and/or links to any shared video clip(s) that may have been edited from the presentation video(s) to comply with copyright laws. 2.) Click into the Quiz module accessible from either the main course page or the Lesson page and complete the Quiz with an 80% or better pass rate. 3.) Complete the Course Evaluation – you’ll be sent to the Evaluation automatically once you successfully pass the Quiz.
- Posttest Requirements – You must answer 80% or more of the Quiz questions correctly to pass. If you fail to pass the first time, you may attempt the quiz again until you are able to pass with a score of 80% or better. Quizzes are graded instantly and automatically by the learning management system once your attempt is submitted.
- Certificate of Completion – Certificates of Completion are automatically generated – downloadable from your Dashboard and emailed to you – once you view the Lesson Materials and complete the Quiz and the Course Evaluation.
- How to Enroll – Login to the website first if you already have a user account. If not, you will create your permanent user account login information during course enrollment. Select the appropriate course library using the top menu of the website. Once inside your chosen course library, find and select your desired course to be taken to the main course page. Click the button on the top banner to enroll. When the order window pops up, enter your details and place your order. You will be emailed an enrollment confirmation message, and you’ll be sent to a landing page instructing you how to begin your newly enrolled course.
- System Requirements:
- Recommended Devices: Desktop, Laptop, or Tablet computer. (Note: Our platform is mobile responsive and may be fully accessed from a connected smartphone).
- Suggested Browsers: Updated version of Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Apple Safari.
- Recommended Network: Home wi-fi, ethernet, or a public wi-fi with VPN (Note: agency or corporate networks are often equipped with restrictive firewalls that may adversely impact your experience on our platform).
- Recommended speed/bandwidth: Minimum download speed > 20Mbps and minimum upload speed > 6Mbps.