A key part of evaluation accommodations for neurodiverse families is better supporting neurodivergent parents.
Medical offices and evaluations can be so stressful!
I don’t know about you, but many times I have to write down my concerns, so I don’t forget when I see the doctor. Or I’m so grumpy from the waiting room I really just want to get the appointment over as soon as possible. It’s pretty similar for families, especially those with neurodivergent kids, and parents who are neurodivergent themselves.
If you can relate, let’s make an effort together to support and make the therapy process less overwhelming.
And by support, I also mean compassion. And shifting your mindset and better meet needs of the family.
Examples
Waiting room too overwhelming to even try to co-regulate?
Offer to meet them at the car, headphones, or an empty treatment space to wait.
Frequently forgetting home program activities, referrals, and appointment dates? Work to find a system that works for them – and remind families that OT, PT, & SLP 2-3 times a week isn’t sustainable for everyone. Give options.
Advocate for supports and services that support neurodivergent parenting. I’m not saying that you have to the whole family’s therapist.
But make accommodations and changes based on the family, just like what you would do for the individual child/adolescent.
Evaluation Strategies
Here are some tips to make small changes, but a HUGE difference!
- Allow for pre-intake forms, and for forms that parents can take home and return. This also for less multi-tasking on the spot!
- Recognize that you may not be able to see everything a child does in one session. Get what you need, build an initial relationship, and don’t be afraid to use parent report and home videos. Sometimes kids don’t want to do things on demand, and also, HEY! You’re a brand new person. We don’t know you yet! Give time to discover more about families later!
- I’ve had families ask me on the 2nd or 3rd session sometimes what my name was. Because they take in so much info at once! Send them an email with some key recommendations during the session so they have your info or give them a card so they can contact you with any questions!
- Ask just as many questions about what goes right at home, and what the child does WELL at. What do they love? Families are often referred due to a concern, but that doesn’t have to be the only focus.
- Kids pick up on a lot, so be creative with your approach and offer to talk about sensitive information at a later date!
And remember…
Too many times I see a lot of judgement from therapists, as if neurodivergent children don’t grow up and become adults. And parents.
I think a growing group of people in rehab realize that they are supporting neurodivergent clients in ways they were never supported.
This includes parents raising ND children too.
Supporting unmasking in ways they are still learning to do themselves. Reminding themselves that they aren’t lazy, there’s a reason why it’s difficult to focus. Learning strategies to support their neurotype as an adult.
Generational healing.
What accommodations do you wish you saw more?
