Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro discusses her journey to understanding her own neurodivergence, the importance of early identification and diagnosis of Autism, closing the gender gap in diagnosis, debunking myths around overdiagnosis, and how to share a diagnosis with a child.
Early identification of neurodivergence is crucial for better outcomes and quality of life in children under three years.
Autism is not being overdiagnosed, with increased rates indicating improved understanding and identification of the condition.
Efforts are needed to communicate autism diagnoses positively, emphasizing strengths, using resources like children's books to normalize neurodiversity and initiate discussions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Early Identification and Diagnosis for Neurodivergent Individuals
Early identification and diagnosis of neurodivergent individuals, especially young children, play a crucial role in improving outcomes and quality of life. Clinics like the Victorian Early Assessment Clinic at La Trobe University provide neurodiversity affirming assessments for children under three years. By offering telehealth and face-to-face assessments, feedback sessions, and post-assessment support, these clinics ensure that children receive the necessary accommodations and support early on, leading to better long-term results.
Debunking the Myth of Autism Overdiagnosis
Contrary to popular belief, autism is not being overdiagnosed. Research and evidence indicate that the prevalence of autism is higher than traditional estimates due to more accurate screening methods. Diagnostic overshadowing has been a significant issue, where autistic individuals were misdiagnosed as having only an intellectual disability. Data from the NDIS demonstrates that the rates of autism have increased, while intellectual disability rates have decreased, showing improved identification and understanding of autism.
The Importance of Affirming Communication and Support for Autistic Individuals
Efforts are needed to communicate an autism diagnosis in an affirming and supportive manner, both to children and their families. Framing autism positively and emphasizing individual strengths and differences is crucial. Utilizing resources like children's books that introduce neurodiversity and autism can serve as valuable tools to initiate discussions and normalize neurodivergence within families and society.
The Impact of Early Diagnosis on Quality of Life
Early diagnosis of autism enables individuals to understand and embrace their neurodivergent identity, leading to better self-awareness and self-acceptance. Access to support and accommodations early in life can prevent negative trajectories and long-term challenges such as trauma, difficulty in relationships, employment, and mental health issues. Early intervention and support foster resilience and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals.
Closing the Gap in Gender Disparities in Autism Diagnosis
Efforts to close the gap in gender disparities in autism diagnosis are essential, as research shows a historical underrepresentation of autistic women and gender diverse individuals. Initiatives focusing on identifying and supporting autistic females, especially later diagnosed individuals, can provide valuable insights into early identification strategies and the development of effective interventions across diverse populations.
This week on the podcast Monique interviews the incredible Associate Professor Josephine Barbaro. Josie is a late identified Autistic ADHDer. She is a Principal Research Fellow and Psychologist at the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne. She is the Research Director of Identification and Diagnosis of Autism, and Clinical Director of the Victorian Early Assessment Clinic, providing neuro-affirming, transdisciplinary assessments for neurodivergence in children under 3 years. Josie’s research interests are in the early identification and diagnosis of Autism, family health and well-being following a diagnosis, and Neurodiversity Affirming research and practice.
In this episode Monique and Josie cover:
Josie’s path to understanding her own neurodivergence.
The heritability of neurodivergence and the importance of taking a whole-family approach to supporting neurodivergent kids.
Josie’s work on early identification of Autism and the development of the SACS early identification screening tool and the ASDectect app.
Josie’s research and work into closing the gender gap in early diagnosis of Autism.
Why early identification is so important and addressing concerns parents can have around ‘labelling’.
How to share a diagnosis of Autism with your child.
Debunking the myths around overdiagnosis of Autism.
Books to use as a conversation starter to introduce neurodivergence to a child include The Brain Forest and The Rainbow Brain, both by Sandyha Menon, and Round World Square Me by Chelsea Luker.
Want polished copies of our episodes in beautiful and readable pdf article format? Grab them here.
Enjoyed the episode and want to support us further? Join our Patreon community! Patreon subscribers receive basic episode transcripts from Season 4 onwards, access to a monthly live zoom hang out, 50% off our episode articles, plus bonus monthly content (depending on subscription tier). Check out our Patreon page to support us, as we aim to make quality mental health care information accessible to everyone: www.patreon.com/ndwomanpod.
