Over the last two decades there has been a rapid increase in demand for services and supports for people diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions. The most common of these are Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Services have not been able to meet the growing demand and research to provide guidance for evidence-based practices has been lacking. This has created a complex environment to navigate for psychologists when providing care.
The first part of this talk will address some aspects of the political landscape and what psychologists may need to consider for their neurodevelopment assessment and support practices. I will present data from the Australian Neurodevelopment Research Registry, a national attempt to deliver a better science of transdiagnostic neurodevelopment approaches with a focus on public health services, highlighting needs, integrated science and practice, and community driven research.
I will apply this to the assessment of neurodevelopment conditions and how these could be optimised to feed into more integrated support pathways (educational and mental health). I will then apply the principles I discuss specifically when discussing Cognitive Behaviour Therapies for social anxiety and workplace support programs that we have developed. It will review what works and what may not, and some of the research we have conducted to highlight applications in clinical practice.
Finally, I will discuss how technology will play a crucial role in delivering integrated practices (AI, apps and digital resources, system navigation). In reviewing the evidence and highlighting the potential of existing resources, I also highlight the many gaps psychologists should consider when deciding on their use.