by Teresa Currivan, LMFT I believe that part of the problem is that we aren’t quite there yet in finding clarity and common ground regarding our understanding of boys and general neurodivergent (ND) traits for them. Because many boys who do have ADHD also have other ND traits, our general understanding of ADHD includes other …
Continue reading ADHD Is Another Common Misdiagnosis For Girls
“As a common and specific example, more often than not, boys diagnosed with ADHD are often predominantly visual-spatial learners, so not understanding visual-spatial (holistic) learning is sometimes ok - they are put in the same box and addressing one can address the other, although not ideal. But due to this lack of understanding of the visual-spatial thinking and learning style, it has been misrepresented as ADHD. Because the female thinking style is closer to visual-spatial, many girls are, by default, being misdiagnosed with ADHD. This isn’t just about visual-spatial learners and ADHD- this same scenario can be applied to any neurodivergent trait. And because neurodivergent girls have not been studied or considered in developing diagnoses, this creates ample room for misdiagnoses for them.”
by Teresa Currivan, LMFT If you are used to reading my articles, you will know that I specialize in assessing the neurodivergent and off-the-grid, so to speak, students. I use a system of traits that all impact each other, and try my best to explain how each one influenced the other: it is a wholistic …
Continue reading Are We Accurately Assessing Our Non-Verbal Students?
Lately, we have been taking the developing knowledge from areas such as autism, sensory processing disorders, giftedness, and more, to understand better those who are not neurotypical. It’s the dawn of a new age of understanding those who are wired differently than the norm.
What is healing? It’s our natural inclination to grow. To heal our past wounds. When we have children it’s a great opportunity for self-growth as we watch them literally, physically grow. And whether they are biologically yours or not, you chose each other so that YOU could see your own self in some way you …
Continue reading What Is Healing? | Parenting Neurodivergent Part I
Neurodivergent individuals are often born with a heightened sensitivity to sound. This can sometimes lead to CAPD,or Central Auditory Processing Disorder. The implications of not understanding CAPD is significant - impacting outcomes in education and mental health. I will describe CAPD, the recent history impacting our treatment of it today, and how misunderstanding CAPD in a student being assessed or educated can lead to education and mental health problems.
Since neurodivergent brains are just beginning to be understood, female neurodivergent brains are even less so. I am only about the touch the tip of the iceberg here, but I hope I open up some possibilities for others to explore the topic further.
What I see from behind their eyes is often not rigidity, (although it can appear so from the outside,) but a complex system of learning, understanding, asking further questions, and back to understanding again. The idea of trying to explain the process at any given point in this loop is in and of itself a skillset...
How can we know what a non-neurotypical student needs, especially when our own needs are not always being met? For teachers, parents, and professionals.
Differently wired and a mystery? Don't forget the smart part.
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