EMPLOYMENT ACCOMMODATIONS for PEOPLE on the Neuro-Developmental/ Psychiatric Continuum

Val's Take/Conjecture

• For some of us, we found out we were on the Neuro-Developmental/Psychiatric Continuum by reaching STAGE 4 of that Continuum.
• That is a PROFOUNDLY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE in and of itself.
• AND it can be a dangerous experience.
  

Medication

• When most of us think of Mental Illness --- we think of Psychosis.
• In many cases Medication can resolve a Psychosis. (not for everyone)
• That is a MIRACLE.
  

BUT

• the Neuro-Developmental/Psychiatric Continuum is a whole lot more than Psychosis.
• People may have various "EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING" Challenges.
• They may literally be MORE SENSITIVE --- they may have MORE REACTIVE CELLS ---
  • That may take more time and effort to manage, but
  • It can also be a SUPER POWER of SORTS in the right circumstances and part of that is creating the right circumstances.
  • It can seem like such a SUPER POWER that we, family members and employers often don't appreciate that the person needs more TIME to RECOVER to avoid a BURNOUT or BREAKDOWN.

Strengths

• When we're talking about the Neuro-Developmental/Psychiatric Continuum we need to not only ACCOMMODATE WEAKNESSES, we also need to ACCOMMODATE STRENGTHS.
• There are Savants on the Continuum, but most people aren't.
• On the other hand, many people on the Continuum do have a WIDE RANGE of SPECIAL ABILITIES that could benefit an employer.