Neurodiversity Flashcards
What % of the UK population are neurodivergent?
15-20%
What is a possible reason for dyslexia?
Reduced activity in parietal lobe (responsible for sensory processing)
What are some characteristics of ADHD?
Difficulty focusing
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
What are the classifications of ADHD?
Inattentive
Hyperactive
Combined
What are the characteristics of inattentive ADHD?
Lack of focus
Struggle with organisation
Difficulty completing tasks
Forgetfulness
Difficulty following instructions
What are the characteristics of hyperactive ADHD?
Restlessness
Excessive talking
Impulsive behaviour
What is autism?
Developmental disability affecting communication and interaction with the world.
How many people in the UK are autistic?
~700,000
What are some difficulties someone with autism may have?
Social communication/interaction
Repetitive/restrictive behaviour
Heightened sensitivity to senses
Hyperfocus (special interests)
Extreme anxiety
Meltdowns/shutdowns
What are some common difficulties with social communication/interaction for an autistic person?
Taking things literally
Echolalia
Needing extra time to process/respond
Difficulty understanding other’ emotions
Struggle to express feelings
Hard to form friendships
Appear insensitive
Behave in ways which seem socially inappropriate
How can you get/keep an autistic person’s attention?
Use their name
Make sure they’re paying attention before questioning or giving an instruction
Use hobbies or interests to engage them
How can you help an autistic person process information?
Don’t use unnecessary language
Pause between sentences
Ask one question at a time
Use less non-verbal communication
Use visual supports
Adapt environment to suit their needs (e.g. reduce noise)
Why do women and girls get missed (autism)?
Repetitive behaviours are similar to typical girls
Often do well academically
Highly focused interest not seen as ‘odd’, e.g. reading
Fewer social difficulties due to masking
Can be misdiagnosed as a mental health condition
What can masking involve?
Mimicking neurotypical behaviour
Forcing eye contact
Overcompensating in social situations
What has an increased prevalence in the autistic population?
Increased refractive error (mean sphere same as typical children)
Poss higher prevalence and magnitude of astigmatism
Strabismus
Problems with stereopsis and accommodation
CVI - sxs can overlap with autism sxs
How can a ST be adapted for neurodivergence?
Dim lights
Slow down
Give longer for responses
Multiple appts or breaks
Do notes after px has left
Use direct and simple language
Appt at quiet time of day
Visit practice first
Explain a test before you do it
Be patient and calm
Increase staff training
Online booking system
