NeuroDiversity & Mental Health

Neurodiversity and Mental Health?


​"There is growing evidence that neurodiverse conditions are accompanied by mental health challenges." 
​                                                                                --------Aug. 2021 

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           For a lot of people like myself, that Developmental Diagnosis came LAST, rather tragically.

              When we talk about TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE and understanding that ---- NEURO-DIVERSE people are at particular risk if not the primary population for psychiatric disorders --- WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

              Well, it tends to mean a helluva lot.

              While NEURO-DIVERSITY is all over the map, one of the things it often has in common is EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING DEFICITS or DIFFERENCES and at least often --- Special Abilities in one or more areas.

                So from a Translational Medicine Perspective, we need to be:

• Providing early identification and support to kids with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, "Giftedness," etc.
• That Support includes development of STRENGTHS, and workarounds and accommodations for EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING DIFFERENCES.
• Continuation of appropriate level of SUPPORT throughout the lifespan.

        The SUPPORT NEEDED is related to how WIDESPREAD the UNDERSTANDING and KNOWLEDGE is in the Society regarding Executive Functioning Deficits or Differences.

        If that knowledge isn't SOLID in the Mental Health Profession, much less the rest of the COMMUNITY ---- there is going to be an IMMENSE NEED for SUPPORT.  

Highlights from the 2019 UK national multidisciplinary conference on Neurodiversity and Mental Health.

​[Next Friday:  Developmental Inflammation & Neuro-Immune Dysregulations in Neuro-Diversity]