The Complex problem of "Reasonable accommodations" for slow Processors

Val's Take/Conjecture

• I will be posting some traditional accommodations.
• But what I'm really trying to get at is the complexity of Neuro-Developmental Disorders and Hyper-Connected Brains.
• This does require Precision Medicine or at the very least Individual Assessment.
• That individual Assessment has to include both STRENGTHS and WEAKNESSES.
• Not all people with Neuro-Developmental Disorders are Savants, but a significant percentage have some abilities above the norm.

Associations between ADHD traits and self-reported strengths in the general population (2024)

Results: We found positive correlations between ADHD traits and hyperfocus, sensory processing sensitivity, and cognitive flexibility. 

Cognitive profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder with parent-reported extraordinary talents and personal strengths (2022)

The high number of children with skills in this study underscores the need for more research in this area, particularly using instruments focused on understanding the nuances of these strengths.

It is important for future studies to consider these skills in children with cognitive impairment.

Impact of maternal immune activation and sex on placental and fetal brain cytokine and gene expression profiles in a preclinical model of neurodevelopmental disorders. (2024)

"Maternal inflammation during gestation is associated with a later diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the specific impact of maternal immune activation (MIA) on placental and fetal brain development."

Those who were sad had rapid improvements in mood when they utilized their strongest skills.

​           ---Jan. 23, 2022

So on the one hand it is critical to get the person in their strongest skills --- which can be quite high despite slow processing.

On the other hand, slow processing is often idiosyncratic processing that does bring practical and emotional challenges.

Often Overlooked: Slow Processing Speed

Yulika Forman, PhD, LMHC

• Forman makes the point that processing speed issues can often look like Executive Functioning Issues.
• Many highly intelligent people have slow processing speed and need environments that can accommodate both the slow processing speed and the intelligence..
  • This requires a lot of self knowledge that many of us just didn't have.
• See also Careers for People with Slow Processing Speed