10 Signs your Child might be Neurodivergent
By Marnie Adams, Contributor @ Kids In Perth 09 Aug 2024
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
Understanding and recognizing neurodiversity in children is crucial for ensuring they receive the appropriate support and interventions to thrive. Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how our brains function, which includes conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, and more. If you're wondering whether your child might be neurodivergent, here are ten signs to look out for.
1. Sensory Sensitivities
Children who are neurodivergent may have heightened or reduced sensitivity to sensory inputs. This could include being overly sensitive to lights, sounds, textures, or smells, or seeking out intense sensory experiences like spinning or touching various textures.
2. Social Interaction Challenges
Difficulty with social interactions, such as struggling to make eye contact, understanding social cues, or preferring to play alone rather than with peers, can be indicators of neurodivergence, particularly in cases of autism.
Difficulty with social interactions, such as struggling to make eye contact, understanding social cues, or preferring to play alone rather than with peers, can be indicators of neurodivergence, particularly in cases of autism.
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
3. Communication Differences
Neurodivergent children may exhibit differences in communication, such as delayed speech development, difficulty following conversations, or a tendency to focus on specific topics of interest with intense detail.
4. Repetitive Behaviors
Engaging in repetitive behaviors or having specific routines and rituals that must be followed can be a sign of neurodivergence. This might include lining up toys in a particular order or repeating the same actions or phrases.
5. Intense Focus on Specific Interests
Children who are neurodivergent might develop intense interests in specific subjects, often focusing on them with a level of detail and enthusiasm that is uncommon in their peers.
6. Difficulty with Transitions
Many neurodivergent children struggle with changes in routine or transitioning from one activity to another. They may become upset or anxious when faced with unexpected changes or disruptions to their schedule.
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
7. Emotional Regulation Challenges
Neurodivergent children may have difficulty regulating their emotions, leading to frequent meltdowns, outbursts, or emotional shutdowns. These challenges can stem from overwhelming sensory experiences or difficulty processing emotions.
8. Motor Skill Differences
Some neurodivergent children may experience delays or differences in motor skills, such as difficulty with coordination, handwriting, or fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt or using scissors.
9. Struggles with Executive Functioning
Executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, and managing time, can be challenging for neurodivergent children. This might manifest as difficulty completing tasks, staying on track with assignments, or managing personal belongings.
10. Hyperactivity or Inattention
Children with ADHD, a common form of neurodivergence, may exhibit signs of hyperactivity, such as constant fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, or impulsiveness. Alternatively, they might struggle with inattention, finding it hard to focus on tasks or follow through on instructions.
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
If you recognise several of these signs in your child, it may be helpful to seek further evaluation from a professional, such as a pediatric neurodevelopmental therapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist. Early intervention can be crucial in providing the support and strategies needed to help neurodivergent children thrive.
TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre specialises in providing comprehensive assessments and tailored therapies for neurodivergent children.
Led by Kerry Wallace, a Paediatric Neurodevelopmental Therapist with over 25 years of experience, the team of specialists at TherapySPOT are dedicated to helping children develop the skills they need to navigate their world and daily life with confidence.
For more information or to schedule an assessment, visit therapyspotperth.com.au or click the shortcut buttons below.
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
Why TherapySPOT?
Founded by Kerry, TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre is an allied healthcare practice in Nedlands that offers Occupational Therapy and Psychotherapy. Having a welcoming environment and specialised equipment in the practice ensures each child and family receives personalised and effective long-term care and support.
TherapySPOT’s approach is anchored in the 5 C’s being Comfort, Control, Confidence, Competence, and Communication.
By focusing on these areas, children feel safe, gaining control over their environment, building self-confidence while developing competence in age-appropriate skills. Helping them improve across a wide range of outcomes such as communication, emotional regulation, better classroom learning and behaviour to name a few.
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
For more insights and support, visit TherapySPOT’s website or follow Kerry Wallace on Facebook. Kerry’s dedication and the comprehensive services at TherapySPOT make it a cornerstone of the Perth community for families navigating developmental challenges.
To learn more about TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre or book an appointment, visit therapyspotperth.com.au or click the buttons below.
Image / Video Credit: TherapySPOT Early Intervention Centre | Facebook, YouTube, Online.
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