The Testing Psychologist Podcast 466. Neurodiversity-Affirming Assessment w/ Dr. Matt Zakreski
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Sep 23, 2024 Join Dr. Matt Zakreski, an expert in neurodiversity-affirming assessment, as he discusses essential practices to better support neurodivergent individuals. He breaks down key definitions and statistics, emphasizing that cognitive differences should be seen as variations rather than deficits. Dr. Zakreski shares strategies for creating inclusive environments in testing, focusing on adaptability in both assessments and therapy. He advocates for a continual learning approach, urging professionals to embrace flexibility and open communication in their practices.
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Matt's Twice-Exceptional Experience
- Matt Zakreski, growing up gifted, wasn't assessed for ADHD until high school.
- Being "twice exceptional" masked his ADHD, highlighting the importance of thorough assessments.
Neurodivergence Prevalence
- Neurodivergent individuals have quantifiably different brains, impacting their functioning.
- Approximately 20% of individuals are neurodivergent, encompassing conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, and autism.
House Metaphor
- Dr. Zakreski uses the metaphor of building a house for a 6'10" person to explain neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- Accommodations should be made to suit individual needs, like building taller door frames.