Meeting the Challenge of Neurodiversity
An overview of a paradigm shift in the approach to treating neurodiverse individuals
Overview
The neurodiversity movement emerged in the 1990s challenging the idea that conditions such as ADHD and Autism were diseases that need to be cured, and raising awareness of the unique strengths that can be associated with brains that are wired differently. The movement has impacted the self-perception of individuals with these conditions and prompted use of identity first language.
The neurodiversity movement has led to online advocacy for ‘nothing about us without us’, and a culture recognizing that the atypical brain is not necessarily something requiring a ‘cure’. This has impacted clinical practice to promote strength-based ‘approaches’. Good care builds acceptance while also providing relief of suffering. From the neurodiverse perspective, ‘Neurotypical Syndrome’ might be characterized by preoccupation with social concerns, delusions of superiority, and obsession with conformity.’
Neurodiversity affirms that ADHD can be associated with curiosity, creativity, energy, persistence, comfort with chaos, and spontaneity. Autism can be associated with visual awareness, memory, ability see unusual associations, intense interests, the capacity to challenge social norms, transparent social interactions, and tenacity. Our search for self-awareness requires us to explore both our typicality and our diversity in celebrating our successes as we struggle with our challenges.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
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Describe the history, factions and controversies associated with the neurodiversity movement
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List some of the unique strengths associated with ADHD and Autism
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Build a strength-based clinical approach to working with neurodiversity
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Examine brain-based approaches to both neurodiversity and neuroplasticity
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Adapt therapeutic strategies to include restructuring a patient’s environment to optimizing their success
Curriculum
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Introduction
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Meeting the Challenge of Neurodiversity
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Conclusion
About this course
- $30.00
- 1.5 hours of video content
Faculty Instructor
Margaret D. Weiss, MD, PhD, FRCP(C) is the Director of Neurodevelopmental Services at Cambridge Health Alliance and an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. She has specialized in diagnosis, treatment, and research in neurodevelopmental disorders through the life cycle. She received her MD and Fellowship in Psychiatry from McGill University and her PhD in the History of Science from Harvard University. Dr. Weiss has published over 160 articles, co-authored the current chapter on ADHD in the Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry and the book ADHD in Adulthood: A Guide to Current Theory, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dr. Weiss is known for her research on melatonin and sleep hygiene treatment in ADHD. She is the author of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale, a widely used measure translated into fourteen languages. She has lectured in more than twenty-three countries.
Continuing Education
Psychologists: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This course offers 1.5 continuing education credits.
Social Workers: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an Approved Provider #0038 of continuing education for licensed social workers. This course offers 1.5 contact hours. Social workers from other states should check with their individual board to confirm credit reciprocity with NY.
Counselors: Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5444. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Cambridge Health Alliance, Division of Continuing Education in Psychiatry is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. This course meets the requirements for 1.50 continuing education hours, and is also applicable for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Counseling/Allied Mental Health accreditation for 1.50 credits.