Complex trauma and neurodiversity: What happens in childhood doesn’t always stay in childhood

Carol Lambdin-Pattavina, OTD, MSOT, OTR/L, CTP; and Laura Dart, MSOT, OTR/L 08/01/2022

Lambdin-Pattavina, C., & Dart, L. (2022). Complex trauma and neurodiversity: What happens in childhood doesn't always stay in childhood. SIS Quarterly Practice Connections, 7(3).

Historically, it was believed that mental illness began in adolescence or early adulthood. However, the neurodiversity that is represented by a wide array of psychiatric labels begins much earlier than that (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). The term neurodiversity has typically been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, most notably autism.

Mental Health Special Interest Section

The Mental Health Special Interest Section (MHSIS) supports and advocates for occupational therapy practitioners, educators, and researchers working with individuals, groups, or populations across the lifespan in settings ranging from hospitals to schools and community programs who are at risk for or are currently diagnosed with a mental health challenge. The MHSIS values the centrality of occupation in the intervention process to prevent further illness, and promote performance, participation, quality of life, well-being, role competence and occupational justice.

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