Neurodiversity in Children
Neurodiversity is a general term that encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental and other conditions that impact brain function. It recognizes that no two brains are exactly alike and that brains function differently.
Neurodivergent children function differently from what is considered typical neurological development (neurotypical). Neurodiversity is not a medical diagnosis. However, people with certain diagnoses may identify as being neurodiverse, or neurodivergent, including those with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disabilities such as dyslexia. People with some mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, may also identify as neurodiverse, and a neurodiverse individual may experience more than one condition.
As a child ages, faces new challenges, and their environment changes, it is possible that their diagnosis may change or they may receive additional diagnoses.
Signs of Neurodiversity in Children
There are different signs of that might point to possible neurodiversity in children. These include:
Not socially engaging in an expected way which could include behaviors such as not making eye contact or responding to one’s name
Difficulty understanding or managing emotion beyond what would be considered developmentally typical/appropriate for a child’s age
Difficulty noticing social norms, lacking empathy, or socially interacting with others
Being easily distracted and/or struggling academically
Being easily distressed
Sensory sensitivity. For example, being sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, or certain tactile sensations
It is possible to have some of the above experiences and not be neurodivergent. If you are unsure if your child is neurodivergent, it may be helpful to meet with a professional for further evaluation/assessment. And, it can be useful to take notes of the symptoms you are noticing so you can discuss these with a provider.
Supporting a Neurodivergent Child
Neurodivergent children often need different approaches to social and educational settings and even day to day environments. Here are several things to consider when it comes to supporting a neurodivergent child:
The overall social environment typically isn’t set up to meet the needs of neurodivergent children. Children with neurodiversity may benefit from accommodations in their social environment including in the classroom, by being given more time for test taking, for example. It is important to talk to teachers/school administrators to ensure your child has the support and resources they need to thrive.
Give kids a safe space to be themselves and have their unique needs. For example, plan fun activities that align with a child’s sensory preferences and be mindful of stimuli such as the intensity of lights or the volume of media around the house.
Children develop self-awareness at a young age, and it is helpful to talk with your child about their strengths and challenges and how their brain functions. You can highlight that everyone has strengths and trials, brains function differently, and by understanding how their brain works, they can practice helpful skills and use resources.
Focus on strengths, not challenges. It is important to recognize challenges and use resources to support challenges. And, it can be just as important to highlight your child’s unique skills and strengths and encourage them to use and develop these.
Therapy – including behavioral therapy – can help a neurodivergent child enhance helpful coping skills. For example, therapy may aid children in breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces, use positive reinforcement to encourage helpful behaviors, and teach social skills.
Therapy Options for Neurodivergent Children
If you’d like to learn more, the Children’s Guild provides a helpful overview of neurodiversity in children in the form of this article.
If you’d like to know more about the different therapy options available for neurodivergent children, teens, and adults, contact us at CBT Denver. We will guide you in making the right choice for your children, yourself or other members of your family.