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This training series is designed to expand the early intervention practitioner’s ‘diagnostic’ perspectives in working with families and children referred for EI services. This second workshop in the Neurodivergence Series will focus on symptomology. Co-morbidities, or the presence of more than one ‘disorder’ in the same person are common in the context of neurodivergent diagnoses such as ADHD, ASD, Tourette disorder, specific learning disorders, as well as the presence of anxiety and/or depression. It is possible that observable behaviors may be due to one symptom … or another. The overlap of symptoms and these conditions can complicate diagnosis and treatment – which highlights the need for holistic, comprehensive, individualized care. It is well known to many parents of neurodivergent children that as children mature, many have been seen by multiple professionals and have also received a possible multitude of various diagnoses.
While diagnoses and labels are a very important part of the process of “getting it right,” this is sometimes easier said than done. Diagnosis is not the role of the early intervention provider, however through ongoing evaluation and assessment they observe, interact, and determine strengths and challenges, and therefore may refer for additional diagnostic evaluation to determine underlying causation. By reviewing overlapping symptomology and co-morbidities, the EI provider may gain an expanded base of knowledge when considering observable behaviors.
This series of workshops aims to provide an objective understanding of the many brain functions, abilities and challenges that contribute to each child’s ‘neuro profile’ regardless of diagnostic label or category. The ‘neurodivergent movement’ has much to teach ‘neurotypicals’ about recognizing actual strengths, what to celebrate, the whys, and the hows. For providers who work directly with families in the EI system, this ‘update’ and knowledge is crucial to staying current in the field. Please note: Attendance at all workshops is highly encouraged, but not mandatory. These workshops are not designed as specific ‘stand alone’ presentations. While topics will differ, the information is organically interrelated.
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