Understanding Yourself: A Process to Finding the Person Inside

Today's episode is a heartfelt conversation about the importance of helping neurodivergent children understand themselves and their brain profile, and how this understanding can foster confidence and self-advocacy. Emily talks with Dr. Liz Angoff about the need for transparent communication with children about their diagnoses, and the use of relatable metaphors to explain complex concepts. They discuss collaborative approaches in assessments, the challenges of co-occurring diagnoses, and the role of parents in supporting their children. How can families find practitioners who align with neurodiversity-affirming practices, and how can that lead to understanding and acceptance for both children and their families? Get comfortable, we're revisiting a conversation that covers a lot of ground.

TAKEAWAYS

Helping kids understand their brain profiles is crucial.

Self-understanding fosters confidence and self-advocacy.

Using relatable metaphors can aid in explaining neurodiversity.

Labels can serve as anchors for understanding experiences.

Children often internalize negative labels if not addressed.

Collaborative assessments enhance understanding for both kids and parents.

Empowering parents shifts the narrative from deficits to differences.

Finding the right practitioner is essential for supportive assessments.

Normalizing neurodiversity can change family dynamics for life.

Mental health clinicians: Telling a child about a new diagnosis can feel like navigating a minefield, but it doesn't have to. We're hosting a training with Dr. Liz Angoff, called Explaining a Diagnosis to Kids in a Neurodiversity-Affirming Way, on Friday, September 11th from 2:00 to 3:30 Eastern. The course is worth 1.5 continuing education hours, and is approved through both the APA and NBCC. You'll learn how to replace pathologizing jargon with empowering, neurodiversity-affirming language that builds self-advocacy and resilience. Register for this course today.