The Psychologist, January/February 2024
Neurodivergence: Change, complexity, and challenge
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Neurodivergence: Change, complexity, and challenge
This is a member only download
Access to PDFs of Psychologist issues is restricted to members of the society. Join us to enjoy this and a host of other benefits.
A special edition, with Guest Editors Kyah Sisulu, Dr Sarah Glew, Aishling Dempsey, Jennifer Law and Dr Anita Marsden bringing together an impressive collection of contributions. With a few online-only extras after the guest editors' final thoughts.
Introduction, January/February 2024
From our editor, Dr Jon Sutton.
Neurodivergence – Change, complexity and challenge
An introduction to a special themed January/February issue, from the Guest Editors.
‘My interest in neurodiversity comes from a passionate place of including everybody’
Ella Rhodes hears from Professor Gail Steptoe-Warren around her British Psychological Society webinar on neurodiversity in supervision.
‘Making the world safer for them to be themselves…’
Dr Amy Pearson (University of Sunderland) spoke to Ella Rhodes about her work.
Equal access to education
Exploring the Senedd’s (Welsh Parliament) Children, Young People and Education Committee inquiry.
A neuroaffirming approach in Scotland
An update on British Psychological Society activity.
Connective issues
Emma Barratt (Editor, Research Digest) on emerging links between neurodivergence, hypermobility and more.
Increased risk of dementia in adults with ADHD
Recent research reveals that a new diagnosis of ADHD in older adults is associated with a higher likelihood of later dementia.
“I have to translate the colours.”
New case study describes the atypical ways of understanding speech in a confirmed synaesthete, illustrating the diversity of cognitive processes.
Fractal tics may pave way to faster diagnosis
Recent research finds repeating patterns in Tourette’s tics, opening up potential for much faster diagnoses in future.
What does it mean to be neurodiversity affirmative?
With a focus on the autistic experience, our contributors (see below) consider this question and its implications for how professionals and services can adapt.
The myth of the ‘normal child’
Anna Cook on research which will aim to assess how teachers' concepts of neurodiversity influences inclusive practice.
It takes all kinds of minds: Organising an accessible conference
Holly E. A. Sutherland, Reesha Zahir and Ailbhe McKinney are PhD students at the University of Edinburgh and were organising/committee members for ITAKOM 2023. Here, they share lessons learned.
The Embracing Complexity coalition
Agata Ostaszewska and Dr Suzi Sapiets are working to facilitate evidence-based social inclusion of neurodivergent people
‘We need to consider those who are more vulnerable to the impact of climate change, but who also have the least control’
We hear from Xan Brooker about neurodivergence and different approaches to commissioning public services.
‘We can look to the AuDHD community to learn more about what the balance of autism and ADHD feels like’
Sandhya Menon, Autistic/ADHDer developmental psychologist, on a revolution in our understanding of autism and ADHD.
Rethinking child neurodiversity
Hayden Ginns MBE is Assistant Director for Children at Portsmouth City Council and Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (Portsmouth Place) - working across education, health, social care and community bodies to design and commission services for children and families.
Exploring ‘lifeworlds’ with the autistic community
Andrea MacLeod on creating change through equitable and inclusive research approaches.
Education at the intersections
Hannah Lichwa looks beyond stereotypes and assumptions to the richness of the person.
Decolonising autism
Joris Lechêne with some advice for research and practice.
Dual identities
We hear from Dr Emma Svanberg, Anita Marsden, Kyah Sisulu, Linda Hannah and Dr Pip Wood.
What does neurodiversity really imply for education?
Naomi Fisher argues it’s time for something new.
Autism from the inside-out
A conversation on the importance of integrating autistic subjectivity into the behaviour-focused classification of autism.
Neurodiversity at work
Nancy Doyle on where we’ve been and where we’re going.
Ageing on the autism spectrum
Dr Gavin R. Stewart with current reflections and future directions.
Learning disability: beyond the cognitive
Katherine Ellis on how neurodiversity can prompt a shift away from an ableist, stereotypical and nihilistic view.
Finding a way in forensic services
Hibaq Ahmed (pictured, left) and Dawn Louise Thibert (right) have reflections on working with autism.
‘We are not a vulnerable community, we are made vulnerable’
In conversation with Kieran Rose and Kristy Forbes.
Cultivating wellbeing and positive identity in ‘the garden’
Aishling Dempsey and Anita Marsden, guest editors, on their model of neurodiversity-affirming therapy and development.
Pulling together all the threads to create something beautiful
Jennifer Law and Anita Marsden hold a space for the writings of Dr Mona Delahooke.
Why I wrote… 'Black and Neurodiverse'
Oluseyitan Ojedokun talks about ‘unveiling the intersectionality’ in 'Black and Neurodiverse'.
Why I wrote… 'We're All Neurodiverse'
Sonny Jane Wise about their book 'We’re All Neurodiverse: How to Build a Neurodiversity-Affirming Future and Challenge Neuronormativity'.
What to read… if you’re a sneaky autist…
…or want to know more about the autistic experience. Amy Pearson recommends.
When the arts mirror therapy
Sarah Glew and Emma Williams on participatory arts-based approaches as an alternative for neurodivergent young people.
‘On stage, being authentically me is the easiest thing ever’
We met comedian and writer Fern Brady at the PDA Society’s recent comedy fundraiser in Hackney. Here, we share a little about Pathological Demand Avoidance and hear from Fern on identity, disclosure and support.
The language of song – ‘Neurodiversity’, by July Alate
Plus lived-experience context provided by Nicolette Alate (July’s Mum).
Social media advocates
Neurodivergence recommendations from the January/February 2024 issue guest editors…
What do Psychologists need to consider about neurodivergence and mental health?
We asked a wide range of contributors, from within the profession, communities of experts by experience and other stakeholders. This is what we heard.
Community Paediatric Psychologists Special Interest Group
We hear from Catrin McAdams, Dr Judith Storey, Dr Anita Marsden and Dr Georgina Davis.
Final thoughts from the Editors
Our guest editors round up this January/February guest edited issue of The Psychologist.
Ask yourself – could this person be autistic?
Dr Judy Eaton on the motivation behind her book, ‘Autism missed and mis-diagnosed: Identifying, Understanding and Supporting Diverse Autistic Identities’.
Assessing the mental health of neurodivergent children and young people at school
Dr Kirstie Rees with ten helpful hints.
‘If humanity needs different kinds of minds, surely our profession does too!’
Dr Holly Kahya writes.