Neurodiversity

Kiddo Health and Raven Health Announce ABA Therapy Care Coordination Partnership

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024
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On January 8th, 2024, Kiddo Health Inc. (formerly Good Parents Inc.) creators of the Kiddo Health care coordination platform for pediatrics, and Raven Health, a leader in data collection and analytics for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), announced a new partnership focused on integrating daily biometric trend analysis with in-session therapy data for the autism industry.

Key Points: 
  • On January 8th, 2024, Kiddo Health Inc. (formerly Good Parents Inc.) creators of the Kiddo Health care coordination platform for pediatrics, and Raven Health, a leader in data collection and analytics for the treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), announced a new partnership focused on integrating daily biometric trend analysis with in-session therapy data for the autism industry.
  • “The evidence is clear,” said Richard Wagner, CEO of Raven Health.
  • Kiddo and Raven plan to start deploying this combined solution via multiple health systems, payors and autism providers during 2024.
  • Kiddo Health , a pediatric connected care platform, empowers caregivers, providers and payors with whole-child insights via the Kiddo Health app.

Novel AI System Could Diagnose Autism Much Earlier

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Health, RSNA, Brain, Research, Magnetic resonance imaging, DT, Disease, Spectrum, Neurodiversity, Data, White matter, Neurology, FDA, Artificial intelligence, Mevalonate pathway, Machine learning, Intelligence quotient, DT-MRI, Newsroom, University, Diagnosis, Software, CDC, MRI, Parent, AI, Workload, Society, Radiology, Radiation, Education, Medical imaging, Residential care, Vaccine, Medical device, Saʽid al-Khudri, Autism spectrum

"Our algorithm is trained to identify areas of deviation to diagnose whether someone is autistic or neurotypical," Khudri said.

Key Points: 
  • "Our algorithm is trained to identify areas of deviation to diagnose whether someone is autistic or neurotypical," Khudri said.
  • The AI system involves isolating brain tissue images from the DT-MRI scans and extracting imaging markers that indicate the level of connectivity between brain regions.
  • "Our approach is a novel advancement that enables the early detection of autism in infants under two years of age," Khudri said.
  • Khudri said their AI system could facilitate precise autism management while reducing the time and costs associated with assessment and treatment.

NEXT for AUTISM Inaugural Fellowship Recipients Announced

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
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NEW YORK, Nov. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- NEXT for AUTISM (NEXT), a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives, has proudly awarded six (6) NEXT for AUTISM Fellowships in its first year of the program.

Key Points: 
  • "I am thankful not just for the scholarship but also for the chance to learn and get real-life experience working with adults on the Autism Spectrum.
  • As part of the fellowship program, each recipient will work 800 hours a year as a Direct Service Professional (DSP) supporting autistic adults.
  • In fact, more than 482,000 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities are waitlisted for services that they need and deserve.
  • The 2024 NEXT for AUTISM Fellows Scholarship cycle will open in February 2024.

THE AZRIELI FOUNDATION CELEBRATES EXEMPLARY LEADERS IN NEURODIVERSE EMPLOYMENT

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Thursday, October 26, 2023
David Azrieli, Spectrum, Heart, Dyslexia, Infinity, Workplace, Chair, Azrieli Center, Neurodiversity, Down syndrome, Employment, DSM-IV codes, ADHD, Pharmaceutical industry, Management, Creative industries, Nursing

"We applaud the efforts of Zera Café and others who are pioneering innovative and actionable pathways to truly inclusive hiring practices," said Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation.

Key Points: 
  • "We applaud the efforts of Zera Café and others who are pioneering innovative and actionable pathways to truly inclusive hiring practices," said Naomi Azrieli, Chair and CEO of the Azrieli Foundation.
  • "Zera Café is a great example of an initiative that creates equitable employment prospects for neurodivergent talent in Canada.
  • The Foundation is also calling on employers nationwide to accelerate the inclusion of neurodivergent people into their employment practices.
  • "Resources are available to Canadian companies, but it is often hard to know where to look and what is meaningful," said Orly Fruchter, Manager of Neurodiverse Initiatives at the Azrieli Foundation.

How MBTI® Type Relates to Neurodiversity in Developmental Contexts

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, October 12, 2023
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SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- In 1999, Australian sociologist Judy Singer coined the term 'neurodiversity,' shedding light on the diversity of human minds. Today, it's increasingly recognized that neurodiversity is not only common, but essential to innovation and inclusivity. Organizations that overlook this diversity risk missing out on harnessing the full potential of their workforce and even risk facing legal consequences. To help companies interested in having their neurodiverse employees perform at their best, The Myers-Briggs Company has launched their research report MBTI® Type and Neurodiversity.

Key Points: 
  • Today, it's increasingly recognized that neurodiversity is not only common, but essential to innovation and inclusivity.
  • Organizations that overlook this diversity risk missing out on harnessing the full potential of their workforce and even risk facing legal consequences.
  • To help companies interested in having their neurodiverse employees perform at their best, The Myers-Briggs Company has launched their research report MBTI® Type and Neurodiversity .
  • Using the MBTI assessment to help neurodiverse people in developmental contexts is legitimate.

Understood.org Launches "The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities" Social Media Campaign to Celebrate, Highlight, and Bring Awareness to the Millions of People Living with Learning Disabilities

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Thursday, October 12, 2023
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This social media campaign aims to spotlight a range of personal stories from neurodivergent individuals — conveying that learning disabilities are more common than people think.

Key Points: 
  • This social media campaign aims to spotlight a range of personal stories from neurodivergent individuals — conveying that learning disabilities are more common than people think.
  • Learning disabilities affect people from all walks of life, different backgrounds, and ages.
  • "The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities" campaign provides a platform for a diverse range of people with learning disabilities to share their stories.
  • For more information on "The Many Faces of Learning Disabilities" campaign and to access the free resources, visit U.org/LDAwareness .

More Than Half of Workers Say a Company's DEI Efforts Are a Key Factor in Job Decisions According to New Eagle Hill Consulting Research

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Wednesday, September 6, 2023
Workforce, Employment, Gen, Disability studies, Ipsos, Culture, Workplace, Research, Multimedia, Millennials, Equity, Neurodiversity, Generation Z, Eagle Hills Properties, Organization, Interface (computing), Nature, Inclusion, DEI, Eagle Hill, Creative industries, Management, LGBTQ, D.C

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-three percent of U.S. workers say diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a key factor when considering a company for employment, new Eagle Hill Consulting research finds. A company's DEI efforts are substantially more important for younger workers, with Gen Z at 77 percent and Millennials at 63 percent.

Key Points: 
  • ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 6, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-three percent of U.S. workers say diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a key factor when considering a company for employment, new Eagle Hill Consulting research finds.
  • A company's DEI efforts are substantially more important for younger workers, with Gen Z at 77 percent and Millennials at 63 percent.
  • 53% of U.S. workers say diversity, equity and inclusion is a key factor when considering a company for employment.
  • Yet, only 29 percent of employees say their company has taken more action in the past six months to demonstrate its commitment to DEI.

Unleashing the Power of Play: Enhancing the Connection Between Families and Healthcare Organizations, Upcoming Webinar Hosted by Xtalks

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Thursday, August 31, 2023
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TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Register for this webinar to hear about improving children and the parents'/caregivers' experiences of care and enhancing communication.

Key Points: 
  • Hear about how Copenhagen's new Mary Elizabeth Hospital transformed the mindset of their clinical workforce through ground-breaking play-focused environments for families.
  • Attendees will learn about the power of personalized care that goes beyond medical necessities, considering a child's interests, abilities, personality and preferences.
  • TORONTO, Aug. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Register for this webinar to hear about improving children and the parents'/caregivers' experiences of care and enhancing communication.
  • Attend this webinar to hear from several subject matter experts on how to unleash the power of play in healthcare and how we can enhance the connection between families and healthcare, especially for neurodiverse children.

Is Hercule Poirot autistic? Here are seven clues that he might be

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
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Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective with the flamboyant moustache and keen eye for detail, is one of the most beloved characters in crime fiction.

Key Points: 
  • Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective with the flamboyant moustache and keen eye for detail, is one of the most beloved characters in crime fiction.
  • He was created by British writer Agatha Christie and first arrived on our bookshelves in 1920.

Headcanon and autistic representation

    • As media portrayals of autistic people are rare and often unrealistic, the autistic and wider neurodivergent communities sometimes headcanon characters who aren’t explicitly confirmed as neurodivergent (ND).
    • However, creating a headcanon can cause controversy.

The detective

    • Their actions and diverse thought patterns are typically not understood by those around them.
    • Some are explicitly ND, such as Adrian Monk in the US series Monk and Saga Norén in the nordic noir series The Bridge.

1. Social exclusion


    Poirot is regularly seen as “different” by those around him. Often, this is attributed to him being Belgian, with other characters drawing attention to his “odd” behaviours. He is also described as “positively exotic” in 1937’s Dumb Witness, and is regularly referred to as being French, something which angers Poirot.

2. Scripting


    Poirot scripts conversations prior to having them, planning out what he will say and how he will act towards people, much like autistic people often do.

3. Masking


    He also masks, which is a phenomenon frequently reported by autistic people, in which they hide or reduce elements of themselves to fit in. Poirot does this by putting on his “foreign shield of exaggerated mannerisms” – sometimes taking advantage of his uniqueness, knowing how others will see him and behaving accordingly.

4. Psychology


    Poirot is interested in psychology, a common special interest for autistic people, who often wish to have an in-depth understanding of people. He states that his brain and mind work differently to those around him, and arguably values his enduring companion Hastings for his “neurotypical” insights, telling him: “In you, Hastings, I find the normal mind almost perfectly illustrated.”

5. Interaction

    • Poirot also displays a unique interaction style which other characters often do not understand, or label peculiar.
    • This mirrors the differences in communication preferences, and misunderstandings this can lead to, between neurotypical and ND people.

6. Routine


    Poirot is very particular in the way he solves crimes, through order and method. He enjoys keeping a routine, typically revolving around his meals, which he is also very particular about: “For my breakfast, I have only toast which is cut into neat little squares.” Autistic people often find comfort in familiarity and in eating the same or safe foods.

7. Sensory regulation

    • Poirot requires a particular sensory environment to think properly, and values his alone time to process what he has learnt.
    • He also likes to keep his immediate surroundings, including his friend Hastings, neat and orderly.

More adults than ever have been seeking ADHD medications – an ADHD expert explains what could be driving the trend

Retrieved on: 
Friday, August 4, 2023
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I started receiving a wave of advertisements beckoning me to get online help for ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

Key Points: 
  • I started receiving a wave of advertisements beckoning me to get online help for ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
  • The reason the term ADHD litters my digital life is because I am a clinical psychologist who exclusively treats patients with ADHD.
  • The brand name Adderall and its generic counterparts have become one of the most common medication treatments for ADHD.
  • Over the next several months, additional ADHD medications joined Adderall on the list of prescription drugs in short supply.
  • The CDC’s findings, along with the stimulant shortage, raise some interesting – and still unanswered – questions about what factors are driving these trends.

The challenge of diagnosing adult ADHD

    • Despite the growth in awareness of ADHD over the past couple of decades, many people with ADHD, particularly women and people of color, go undiagnosed in childhood.
    • Diagnosing ADHD in either kids or adults first involves establishing that ADHD-like traits, which exist on a continuum and can fluctuate, are severe and chronic enough to prevent a person from living a normal, healthy life.
    • Diagnostic challenges can also arise for psychiatrists and other health care practitioners because ADHD shares features with many other conditions.

Stress of the COVID-19 pandemic

    • In 2021, the U.S. was still deep in the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Many families were losing loved ones, and there was a huge sense of uncertainty over when normal life would return.
    • The demands of the pandemic took a toll on everyone, but research shows that women may have been disproportionately affected.
    • In addition, without access to in-person recreational spaces, the pandemic increasingly drove many people to spending more time on digital media.

What ADHD care looked like in 2021

    • People who were newly seeking help for ADHD found faster appointments with their primary care providers, who may or may not be comfortable diagnosing and treating adult ADHD.
    • Around that time, online ADHD care startups began to pop up, reaching prospective consumers with appealing digital ads like the ones I received.
    • Although they were controversial in the medical community, these models may also have reduced barriers to ADHD care for many people.

The verdict is still out

    • If the trends stabilize, it may mean that patients who have been unable to access care may finally be getting the help they need.
    • If ADHD prescribing returns to pre-pandemic levels, we may learn that a perfect storm of COVID-19-related factors caused a momentary blip in people seeking ADHD treatment.