What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the term that encompasses all neurological differences of the brains and minds.
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Neurodivergent is the term that describes individuals with brains that are structured differently due to natural variations in brain development and function.
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In today's society, more and more children are being diagnosed with ASD, ADD, ADHD, Sensory Integrated Disorder, Auditory Processing, Developmental Disabilities, Specific Learning Difficulties and many more. If your child has obvious difficulty with learning new skills; social skills; self-regulation; communication, sensory integration, you may already be seeking support or you may be wondering what to do next. Irregardless to where you are on this journey, Mosaic kids offers a neuro-affirming program that is affordable for everyone.
Autism
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder that affects how a person thinks, interacts with others, and experiences the world. People with autism may have challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviours and may have a range of strengths and abilities. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variation in the type and severity of symptoms that individuals with autism can experience.
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Some common characteristics include:
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Difficulty with social interactions, such as understanding social cues or forming relationships.
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Repetitive behaviours, such as repeating actions or routines.
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Sensory sensitivities, where certain sounds, lights, or textures may be overwhelming or distracting.
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Focused interests or intense focus on specific topics or activities.
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Autism is a lifelong condition, but individuals can develop skills and strategies to manage challenges and live fulfilling lives with the right support.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development. These symptoms are more severe and frequent than what is typically observed in individuals of the same age.
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ADHD is generally classified into three types based on the predominant symptoms:
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Inattentive type: Difficulty focusing, making careless mistakes, losing things, and being easily distracted.
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Hyperactive-impulsive type: Difficulty sitting still, excessive talking, interrupting others, and acting impulsively without thinking through consequences.
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Combined type: A mix of both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Developmental Language Disorder
Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a condition that affects a person's ability to acquire and use language. It is characterized by persistent difficulties in understanding and/or producing language, despite having normal cognitive abilities and hearing. DLD is not caused by a lack of exposure to language or by other developmental disorders, such as autism or intellectual disability.
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Key features of DLD include:
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Delayed language development: Children with DLD often show delays in acquiring vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure compared to their peers.
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Persistent language difficulties: These difficulties continue into later childhood and often affect academic performance, social interactions, and communication skills.
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No identifiable cause: The exact cause is not always known, though genetics and environmental factors can contribute.
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DLD can vary in severity and can impact a wide range of language skills, such as speaking, understanding, reading, and writing. It is important for early identification and intervention to support language development and minimize potential challenges in other areas of life.
Developmental Coordination Disorder
Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as dyspraxia, is a motor skills disorder that affects a person's ability to coordinate and plan physical movements. Individuals with DCD have difficulty performing tasks that require fine or gross motor skills, such as writing, tying shoelaces, or riding a bike, even though their intellectual abilities are typically unaffected.
DCD is not related to a person's intelligence or physical abilities, but rather to the brain's ability to plan and coordinate motor actions. It can impact social participation, academic achievement, and self-esteem.
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Key characteristics of DCD include:
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Difficulty with motor coordination: Tasks that require coordinated movements such as using utensils, throwing a ball, or dressing are challenging.
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Poor hand-eye coordination: Difficulty with activities that require fine motor control, such as writing or typing.
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Clumsiness or awkward movements: Frequent stumbling or bumping into objects.
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Delayed motor milestones: Some children may take longer to develop skills like walking, running, or jumping.
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It is important to note that DCD is a lifelong condition, but with the right support, individuals can learn strategies to manage and improve their motor skills.
Global Developmental Delay
Global Developmental Delay (GDD) is a term used to describe significant delays in a child’s development across multiple areas, including motor skills, speech and language, cognitive abilities, and social/emotional skills. These delays are usually identified before the age of 5, when the child is not meeting expected developmental milestones in a variety of areas.
GDD is typically diagnosed when a child exhibits delays in at least two or more developmental domains. The causes can vary widely and may include genetic conditions, brain injuries, prenatal or perinatal factors, or environmental influences.
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The primary areas affected by GDD include:
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Motor skills – difficulties with physical coordination, movement, or balance.
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Language and communication – delays in speaking, understanding speech, and using language.
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Cognitive abilities – challenges with thinking, problem-solving, and learning.
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Social and emotional development – difficulty in forming relationships, understanding emotions, and interacting with others.
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It's important to note that GDD does not refer to a specific disorder but rather a description of a child’s developmental delays.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is a developmental condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. This typically affects a person’s ability to reason, solve problems, and perform everyday tasks.
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Key criteria for intellectual disability include:
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Intellectual functioning: An IQ score below 70, indicating below-average cognitive abilities.
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Adaptive behavior: Difficulty in practical, everyday skills like communication, self-care, social interaction, and managing daily life tasks.
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Onset before the age of 18: Intellectual disability is typically identified in childhood or adolescence.
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The severity of intellectual disability can vary, ranging from mild to profound. Individuals may have different abilities and support needs. Causes can include genetic conditions, prenatal factors, birth complications, or environmental influences. Early diagnosis and support can help individuals with intellectual disabilities thrive and develop essential life skills.
Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a person’s ability to understand and perform basic mathematical tasks. It can involve difficulty with number sense, calculations, and understanding mathematical concepts.
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Key characteristics of dyscalculia include:
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Difficulty with basic arithmetic: Struggling with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
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Challenges with number recognition: Trouble recognizing numbers, understanding their value, or distinguishing between similar numbers.
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Problems with spatial awareness: Difficulty with concepts like time, distance, or spatial relationships related to math.
Dyscalculia is not related to intelligence and can vary in severity.
Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects a person’s ability to read, spell, and decode written words. It is not related to intelligence, as individuals with dyslexia typically have normal or above-average intelligence.
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Key characteristics of dyslexia include:
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Difficulty with reading fluency: Struggling to read smoothly or quickly.
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Difficulty with spelling and writing: Struggles with spelling words correctly or writing coherently.
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Challenges with word recognition: Trouble recognizing familiar words or decoding new words.
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Dyslexia is caused by differences in how the brain processes written and spoken language. It can vary in severity and is usually identified in childhood, although it can persist into adulthood. With appropriate support and accommodations, such as specialized reading instruction, people with dyslexia can improve their reading and writing skills.