“Neurodiversity” means that children’s and adult’s brains develop and function in meaningfully variable ways across populations. Neurodivergent people self-identify as having different ways of thinking, feeling and responding to their worlds compared to typically developing people, often related to specific profiles that include autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and intellectual disability. In this session, presenters will provide a brief overview of more common neurodevelopmental profiles and discuss their clinical, research and quality improvement work with neurodivergent caregivers and children. They will then describe how this has informed their adaptation of a strength-based, tailored family support model and enriched their understanding of the joys and challenges of parenting.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Recognize neurodevelopmental profiles related to autism, ADHD and intellectual disability as they relate to caregivers and parents
• Develop an approach to discussing neurodevelopmental strengths and challenges with caregivers/parents as they relate to supporting their young child’s mental health and development
• Review qualitative research themes and clinical interview findings in which neurodivergent caregivers provide perspectives and preferences for provision of care
• Plan how to tailor parenting and family management support for neurodivergent caregivers and children using a strength-based neurodiversity lens
Presenter(s): Dr. Teresa (Terry) Bennett, Dr. Natalie Raso, Dr. Mackenzie Salt
The presentation can be found here: www.publichealthontario.ca/en...