Understanding autistic and ADHDer children’s mental health

This course is designed for practitioners who engage with autistic and ADHDer children and/or their caregivers. It may be especially useful for early career professionals and those looking to grow their confidence in working with neurodivergent clients. Teachers and early childcare workers may also find the neuro-affirming principles helpful in their day-to-day interactions with children and parents.

This course aims to increase understanding and application of a neurodivergent-affirming approach among practitioners working with autistic and ADHDer children and their families. It will support you to:

• increase your understanding about autism and ADHD, including the impact neurotypical societies and systems have on neurodivergent children’s mental health
• recognise your role in supporting the mental health of autistic and ADHDer children and their families
• apply a neurodivergent-affirming lens in your work with children and families.

It is estimated that this course will take you approximately 1.5 hours to complete, including reading material and watching videos.

You can undertake the course across multiple sessions at your own pace. The last screen you visit before logging off will be bookmarked and you will have the option of returning to that screen when you next log in.

As you work through the course, it is important to be aware of your own emotional responses. Please follow these self-care tips and seek help if needed:

• We do not recommend undertaking the entire course in one sitting. Give yourself some breaks. Even if you don’t feel that you need a break, it's a good idea to take one anyway and come back later.
• Be aware of your emotions as you progress through the course and take action if you are starting to feel stressed or upset. For example, consider taking a break and doing something for yourself that you enjoy.
• Be aware of your emotional responses after you complete the course.

If at any point you find you are struggling, please talk with your supervisor, seek help, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or SANE Australia on 1800 187 263.

For the purposes of this course, the term parent encompasses the biological and adoptive parents of a child, as well as individuals who have chosen to take up a primary or shared responsibility in raising that child.

Social and emotional wellbeing refers to the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others. It incorporates behavioural and emotional strengths, and is a facet of child development.⁵

In broad terms, social and emotional wellbeing is the foundation for physical and mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is a holistic concept which results from a network of relationships between individuals, family, kin and Community. It also recognises the importance of connection to Land and Waters, culture, spirituality and ancestry, and how these affect the individual^.6

Social and emotional wellbeing is also used by some people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, who may have differing concepts of mental health and mental illness.⁷

Social and emotional development involves the development of skills required to:

• identify and understand one’s feelings
• read and understand the emotional states of other people
• manage strong emotions and how they are expressed
• regulate behaviour
• develop empathy
• establish and maintain relationships.⁸

Like ‘biodiversity’ refers to the variety of life found in a particular area or in the world, neurodiversity describes the natural range of differences (‘diversity’) in human minds.⁹ An individual person may be ‘neurotypical’ or ‘neurodivergent’.

A person’s neurotype is the particular way their brain processes information.

Neurotypical people have ‘a style of neurocognitive functioning that falls within the [current] dominant societal standards of “normal”.'⁹ They find it easier to adapt to the changes and demands of society than neurodivergent people.

Neurodivergence is a difference in the ways brains think and adapt.² Autism and ADHD are just two examples of neurodivergence.

The neurodiversity paradigm is a specific perspective on neurodiversity that boils down to these fundamental principles:

• Neurodiversity is a natural and valuable form of human diversity.
• The idea that there is only one ‘normal’ or ‘healthy’ way for a brain to work is a culturally constructed fiction. It is no more correct – or helpful – than the idea that there is one ‘normal’ or ‘right’ ethnicity, gender or culture.
• The way people respond to neurodiversity is similar to how they respond to other forms of diversity (e.g. race, gender, culture or sexuality). This includes power imbalances and other social inequalities, but also the potential for diversity to bring creativity and new ideas when it is valued and supported.⁹

Neurodivergent-affirming practice (also referred to as neuro-affirming practice) is ‘a therapeutic approach that creates an environment and treatment plan rooted in a deep understanding of neurodivergence. It emphasises supporting individuals through their challenges and making accommodations for their needs.’¹⁰ It is often used alongside ‘neurodiversity-affirming practice’, which includes approaches that respect and affirm all kinds of brain functioning.

Autism spectrum disorder (autism) typically presents as differences in social communication and interaction, along with a preference for sameness (expressed through repetitive behaviours, interests and activities).¹¹

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by hyperactivity and differences in attention and emotional regulation. It presents in three ways:

• Predominantly inattentive symptoms (e.g. a lack of concentration or focus)
• Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms (e.g. speaking or acting without thinking first)
• A combination of both.¹²

Two-thirds of ADHDer children are diagnosed with a combined presentation.¹³

The term AuDHD or AuDHDer refers to someone who is both autistic and an ADHDer.

This course draws on the latest research, clinical insights, and the lived experience of neurodivergent practitioners and Emerging Minds’ child and family partners.

We would like to thank the professionals and families who played an integral role in shaping this course, generously offering their time, wisdom and unique perspectives.

Watch the following video for a quick guide on how to navigate Emerging Minds Learning courses.