ERIC Number: EJ1379720
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1357-5279
EISSN: EISSN-1476-489X
Available Date: N/A
Co-Occurring Physical Health Challenges in Neurodivergent Children and Young People: A Topical Review and Recommendation
Donaghy, Bethany; Moore, David; Green, Jane
Child Care in Practice, v29 n1 p3-21 2023
Background: Neurodivergence has been established as associated with a significant number of co-occurring physical conditions, particularly for autistic individuals who are at risk for increased pain, hypermobility (including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) and gastrointestinal problems. However, data, so far, has been focused on adults and generally limited to discussions of condition prevalence alone. Methods: The following article will present a topical review of the literature considering evidence for increased physical health concerns within neurodivergent populations, particularly autistic individuals, with a focus on the impact that these physical health concerns may have in an educational setting. Results and discussion: The impact of physical health concerns within neurodivergent populations in an educational setting may be concerning. Such populations may face a range of challenges in obtaining appropriate support for physical conditions. We discuss a number of said challenges including; communication challenges, misattributing physical health symptoms as a part of neurodivergence, and a history of not being believed, which limits symptomatic reporting. We further consider the potential impact these physical health concerns may have on scholastic and social development, such as impacts for attainment and attendance. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for teachers, parents/carers and other allied professionals in young people's lives, on supporting young neurodivergent people with physical health concerns.
Descriptors: Physical Health, Comorbidity, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Students with Disabilities, Barriers, Student Needs, Communication Skills, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Academic Achievement, Attendance, Genetic Disorders, Human Body, Behavior Problems
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A