Testing, Treatment, Coaching – The Neurodivergence Community Research Center & Digital Library

Empowering Neurodivergent Acceptance

How Better Testing, Psychotherapeutics, and Coaching Can Help Neurodivergent Individuals Live More Fulfilling Lives

Testing & Evaluation Model

A testing model and tools to better evaluate the subjective characteristics of neurodivergent clients

Testing for neurodivergence is highly specialized and can be difficult as symptoms of medical conditions like autism and ADHD often overlap. The NDCRC is gathering data and working on developing a testing protocol that ensures a more accurate determination.

Coaching & Training Model

A coaching model for therapists aimed at improve functioning and reduce distress in neurodivergent clients

ND coaching is a holistic approach that takes into account the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual impacts of neurodivergence. Neurodivergence-affirming coaching is a strengths-based approach, as it seeks to identify and build upon the client’s existing strengths and skills.

1 Level One ASD

Requires Support

Level 1 ASD describes people who do not need a lot of support. People with level 1 ASD may have a hard time communicating with neurotypical people, including their peers. For example, they may not say the right thing at the right time or be able to read social cues and body language.

A person labeled with ASD level 1 is usually able to communicate in full sentences most of the time, but may have trouble engaging in extended, back-and-forth communication with neurotypical people. They are likely to have social anxiety and may experience burnout from long term masking, or acting neurotypical.

They may also have trouble moving from one activity to another or trying new things. Additionally, they may have problems with organization and planning, and independence for them may differ from neurotypical expectations for people their age.

Source: VeryWellHealth.com

Responsiveness to diagnostic instruments: Good
Responsiveness to psychotherapy: Generally Good, with notable exceptions
Responsiveness to coaching & training: Generally Good, with notable exceptions

2 Level Two ASD

Requires Substantial Support

People diagnosed with ASD level 2 have a harder time masking than those diagnosed with level 1 and may find it hard to communicate or socialize in ways that are accepted or understood by neurotypical society. Likewise, they will find it harder to change focus or shift from one activity to the next.

The DSM’s level 2 expression of autism includes people who have very specific interests and who engage in repetitive behaviors that veer far from accepted, neurotypical behaviors or that appear in spaces neurotypical people view as incongruous.

For example, an autistic child or adult may pace back and forth during a class or meeting, or say the same thing over and over again. These behaviors are types of stimming, self-stimulation, that autistic people use to regulate themselves internally. Neurotypical people stim as well by humming, tapping their feet or fingers, dancing, etc.

Source: VeryWellHealth.com

Responsiveness to diagnostic instruments: Good
Responsiveness to psychotherapy: Moderate
Responsiveness to coaching & training: Moderate To Poor

3 Level Three ASD

Requires Very Substantial Support

People with level 3 diagnoses need the most support and are subsequently at very high risk for neglect, abuse, and discrimination. People in this category are entirely unable to mask and have very high burdens of self-regulation.

Problems expressing themselves accurately both verbally and with body language or facial expressions can make it very hard to complete daily living tasks, interact socially, and deal with a change in focus or location. Some of these difficulties can be assuaged with early access to augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. Engaging in repetitive behaviors is another trait of level 3 ASD.

A person with an ASD level 3 diagnosis is more likely to have communication differences and may rarely initiate interactions, especially with neurotypical people. When they do, they are likely to be perceived as awkward.

Source: VeryWellHealth.com

Responsiveness to diagnostic instruments: Good to Moderate
Responsiveness to psychotherapy: Generally Poor, with notable exceptions
Responsiveness to coaching & training: Generally Poor, with notable exceptions

Testing & Evaluation Elements

Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)

Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) is a general developmental screening tool. It is a parent-completed questionnaire; it consists of a series of 19 age-specific questionnaires screening communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem-solving, and personal adaptive skills; it results in a pass/fail score for domains.

Source: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention

Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS)

Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales (CSBS) is a standardized tool for screening of communication and symbolic abilities up to the 24-month level; the Infant Toddler Checklist is a 1-page, parent-completed screening tool.

Source: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention

Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS)

Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) is a a general developmental screening tool. It includes a parent-interview form; screens for developmental and behavioral problems needing further evaluation; single response form used for all ages; may be useful as a surveillance tool.

Source: Centers For Disease Control & Prevention

Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS14)

Ritvo Autism & Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS14) Instrument with igher emphasis on internal experiences than outward behaviors. Effective for distinguishing Autism from other conditions which may be confused for autism (Bipolar, PTSD, Social Anxiety). Scoring: 14 and above out of possible 42 are indicative of possible Asperger’s).

Source: Adult-Autism-Assessment.com

Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ)

Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire (ASSQ). The original ASSQ consists of 27 items for a maximum score of 54 points. The higher the point total, the greater the likelihood that you show signs of autism spectrum disorder. Score of 51 or higher on the ASSQ indicates possibility of ASD and further assessment is recommended.

Source: Adult-Autism-Assessment.com

Suggest a resource for diagnosis and evaluation ♥

Coaching & Training Elements

Module One: Social Functioning

How to read social cues
How to build loving relationships
How to connect with neurodiverse peers who understand you
How to come out as neurodivergent
How to fit in and feel authentic
How to make and keep friends
How to be yourself without masking
How to manage relationship struggles
How to manage family dynamics
How to empathize with others and accept other points of view

Suggest a resource for this module ♥

Module Two: Clinical Aspects

How to tame social anxiety
How to get unstuck, avoid overwhelm, and be happy
How to manage stress and problem-solve effectively
How to manage anxiety and depression
How to recover from trauma and bullying
How to manage sensory sensitivity
How to manage grief and sadness
Coping techniques and relaxation strategies

Suggest a resource for this module ♥

Module Three: Communication Skills

How to avoid words and behaviors that unintentionally hurt others
How to improve your communication skills
How to be understood by neurotypical individuals

Suggest a resource for this module ♥

Module Four: Life Skills

How to adjusts to change and transitions (starting college, getting a job, etc.)
How to move forward in life
How to make your life better
How to build confidence as you grow and learn about yourself
How to accept and embrace neurodivergence
How to love being different and unique
How to discover your unique strengths
How to learn self-advocacy, determination, and resilience
How to manage time
How to focus and hyper-focus
How to solve advanced problems
How to cultivate your creativity

Suggest a resource for this module ♥

25%

of the world population may be neurodivergent
Source: Johns Hopkins University

32%

of UK employers are uncomfortable hiring ASD persons
Source: Johns Hopkins University

35%

of the US neurodivergent population is unemployed
Source: Johns Hopkins University

International ND Therapist Registry

Psychotherapist Registry Service

myNDRC.org is building a registry of therapy professionals who are dedicated to working with neurodivergent individuals and their families. Submit your contact information or recommend a therapist for inclusion in our registry ♥

International ND Behavioral Coach Registry

Behavioral Coach Registry Service

myNDRC.org is building a registry of coaches who are dedicated to working with neurodivergent individuals and their families. Submit your contact information or recommend a coach for inclusion in our registry ♥

The NDCRC Library & Website

Disclaimer/Librarian’s Note: The statements, opinions, and data contained in all publications and documents in this website are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s). The NDCRC and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, treatments, instructions, or products referred to in the content. Book chapters are republished here under the Fair Use Section 107 of title 17, United States Code as amended in 1990 and 1992.

Empowering Neurodivergent Acceptance

Testing & Evaluation Model

Coaching & Training Model

Requires Support

Requires Substantial Support

Requires Very Substantial Support

Testing & Evaluation Elements

Coaching & Training Elements

Psychotherapist Registry Service

Behavioral Coach Registry Service

The NDCRC Library & Website

myNDCRC.org