Autism

2039V - Neurodiversity of Autistic Children and Adults: Embracing the Neurology Data to Improve Cultural Responsiveness

ON-DEMAND

Format: 1-Hour Seminar (Virtual)

Audience: Students, International Affiliates, Public/Consumers, Researchers, Related Professionals, Early Career Professionals (under 5 years)

Keywords: autism, neurodiversity, cultural awareness, fMRI, brain imaging

Presenting Author(s)

Angel Ball

Nevada State College

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Barbara Forney-Misuraca

Clark County School District and Nevada State College

Neurodiversity as applied to the autism spectrum provides an opportunity to reframe our approach to our slp service delivery and/or interactions with autistic individuals. Neurodiversity is a term that has recently resurfaced into the discussions of individuals with neurological differences from neurotypical peers. This seminar explores the description of neurodiversity specific to autism, both physiologically and behaviorally in children and adults. Next, the neuroimaging research available in the skills of language, cognition, sensory processing, and emotional responses are presented. A presentation outcome is that the viewer will leave with a plan of how to use neurological information relative to these skills to improve cultural awareness and responsiveness for autistic individuals.

Learning Objectives:

State Participants will be able to state a physiological brain difference from typical peers for a language or cognitive task.
Recognize Participants will be able to recognize that cultural competence and equity includes an understanding of neurodiversity.
Reframe Participants will reframe the conversation about skills and abilities of autistic children and adults to one of differences from neurotypical peers.