The Benefits of Receiving a Diagnosis as a Neurodivergent Individual
Parents and caregivers are often faced with a difficult decision as to whether to have their child assessed to see if they are Neurodivergent. That is, to determine if they have a condition in which their brain operates differently in comparison to other people. Conditions that are generally accepted as neurodivergent include autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, specific learning disorders, intellectual impairment, Tourette’s syndrome, and other medical conditions.
Often, children have social, behavioural, or academic difficulties at school and it may be a teacher who first raises a question about whether a child may be neurodivergent. At other times it may be an uncle or aunty, or a savvy parent or caregiver who knows about neurodiversity and observes some ‘flags’ in their child’s behaviour, social interactions, or learning abilities.
Parents and caregivers who have concerns for their child’s development should speak to their general practitioner in the first instance. You may ask for a referral to a psychologist or a paediatrician to have diagnostic testing completed.
The process of diagnostic testing will vary depending on the presenting difficulties, and may include:
- A comprehensive history taking interview which may take more than one session.
- Questionnaires and forms completed by parents, family, teachers, and/or the child.
- Face to face testing sessions in which the child’s abilities are assessed by administration of a set of specific tasks, and results are compared to a large sample of same-aged peers to determine the child’s level of functioning (such as in cognitive and academic testing).
- Following attainment of all test scores, questionnaires, and other information, the clinician must score, analyse and interpret the results to determine if the child meets the criteria for a diagnosis. The potential outcomes include that the child does not meet criteria for any diagnosis; that they meet criteria for one diagnosis; or meet criteria for more than one diagnosis.
- The clinician will typically provide a written report detailing the process of investigation and results, and recommendations for support based on the outcome. This report is presented in a feedback session with parents/caregivers to ensure that the results are understood, and recommendations for supporting the child can be discussed in detail.
- When a psychologist has completed the assessment process, the written report is often taken to a paediatrician to record the diagnosis in the client’s health file and discuss medical support options, such as medication.
What are the benefits of having a diagnosis?
- Early identification and intervention for conditions such as autism spectrum disorder is critical in obtaining the best outcomes for neurodivergent individuals (James & Smith, 2020).
- Understanding your child’s profile of strengths and weaknesses provides you with knowledge to inform your parenting and how you can best support your child. Some parents report that frustration with ‘naughty behaviour’ decreases as they learn more about their child’s diagnosis and ways to support them.
- Children with neurodivergent conditions, who are experiencing social or academic difficulties at school related to their diagnosis are entitled to receive educational adjustments to support access to the curriculum.
- Since 2013, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to support individuals with a disability in Australia, where the diagnosed condition is causing significant functional impairment across several or all areas of life. Cases are assessed on an individual basis depending upon the level of functional impairment (Please note that funding is not guaranteed in any way by obtaining a diagnosis).
- Teenagers and young adults who are neurodivergent often report feelings of validation or relief once they receive their diagnosis.
- Young adults who are looking to make the transition from high-school into paid employment may be eligible for extra support through a disability employment service.
- For neurodivergent people, access to medication can be an important part of managing their symptoms. Receiving a formal diagnosis is required so that doctors can prescribe appropriate medications.
Alister Ballschmieter sees clients of all ages at Vision and M1 Psychology.
We have further information about the assessment process available on our websites. Should you wish to have an initial consultation please do not hesitate to make a booking with Alister or contact the assessment team at https://www.visionpsychology.com/contact-our-assessments-team/.
References
James, S. N., & Smith, C. J. (2020). Early Autism Diagnosis in the Primary Care Setting. Pediatric Neurology, 1-6.