14/15 Psych- Neurodiversity

Introduction to PSYC1001: Science of Psychology

  • Welcome to PSYC1001, focusing on key concepts in Psychology.

Day 26 Agenda

  • Review of Chapters:

    1. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

    2. Autism Spectrum Disorder

    3. AuDHD (co-occurrence of Autism and ADHD)

  • Course Wrap Up

Fall 2025 Timeline

  • September to December 2025 overview by week and day, including:

    • Assessment timelines

    • Important dates for quizzes, exams, and assignments, indicating specific chapters and participation requirements.

Course Communication and Assignments

Last Call for Assignments

  • Due tonight by 11:59 PM:

    • SONA reflection

    • Overdue assignments and extra credits

SONA Credits

  • For SONA credits inquiries, contact the SONA administrator via: psych-subjectpool@columbia.edu

Final Exam Details

  • Date: December 15th

  • Location: Uris 301, Time: 1:10 PM - 4:10 PM

  • Required items:

    1. Two No. 2 pencils

    2. TWO note sheets

  • Test composition:

    • 10 questions on chapters 14/15

    • 80 comprehensive questions covering the entire semester

    • Condensed learning objectives available in the Final Exam module page.

Office Hours

  • Discussion of changes to class office hours, including times for various teaching assistants, locations, and whether virtual participation through Zoom is available.

Course Evaluations

Open Until December 11th

  • Importance of student feedback, and guidelines for providing useful comments.

Relevant Data on Course Evaluations

  • Recognition of bias in evaluations based on instructor demographics.

  • The impact of biases on final grading and responses.

  • Strategies to reduce biases in student evaluations.

The 5 Pillars of Psychology

  • Introduction to different areas of Psychology covered in the course:

    • Biological Psychology

    • Cognitive Psychology

    • Developmental Psychology

    • Social and Personality Psychology

    • Mental and Physical Health

Poll Everywheres: Topics of Interest

Interesting Topics from Chapters

A.) Chapter 2: Methods
B.) Chapter 3: Brain and Behavior
C.) Chapter 4: Consciousness
D.) Chapter 5: Sensation and Perception
E.) Chapter 6: Learning
F.) Chapter 7: Memory
G.) Chapter 8: Thinking and Decision-Making

Desired Focus Areas

  • Survey questions on topics students wish to delve into further, including development, health, and treatment psychopathologies.

Chapter 14/15 Learning Objectives

  1. ADHD characteristics and types, including diagnosis challenges.

  2. Factors influencing ADHD development.

  3. Support strategies for ADHD.

  4. Cognitive biases related to ADHD.

  5. Characteristics and levels of Autism.

  6. Development factors of Autism.

  7. Support strategies for Autism.

  8. Cognitive biases related to Autism.

  9. Characteristics of AuDHD and identification challenges.

Inclusive Language for Neurodiversity

  • Shift in terminology to embrace strengths rather than frame as deficits:

    • Use "neurodiversity" instead of "neurodivergence as a deficit"

    • Replace phrases like “fixes” with “supports or accommodations”

Understanding Neurodevelopmental Differences

  • Neurodevelopmental conditions begin early and reflect natural brain wiring variations.

Examples of Disorders

  1. ADHD: Differences in attention, executive functions, and energy regulation.

  2. Autism: Sensory, communication, and social-cognitive differences.

  • Important Note: These disorders are not deficits from trauma.

ADHD Overview

  • Definition: ADHD involves natural variation in development affecting attention, functioning, and regulation.

  • Prevalence: Approximately 10% of the population exhibits ADHD, with differential diagnosis rates between genders.

Characteristics of ADHD

  1. Inattention: Less than average working memory, mind-wandering, careless mistakes.

  2. Hyperactivity: Needs for movement, fidgeting.

  3. Impulsivity: Rushing decisions, difficulty with delayed gratification.

Development of ADHD

  • Neurobiological factors influencing ADHD, including dopamine deficiencies impacting habit-learning.

  • Genetic contributions:

    • 80% of variation in ADHD is genetic.

    • Chance of familial transmission of traits.

Common Myths and Realities of ADHD

  • Misconceptions include the notion that individuals outgrow ADHD. In reality, presentations may change but ADHD persists.

  • Emotional and social development lags behind average by approximately one-third.

Autism Overview

  • Definition: Autism represents variations in social communication, sensory processing, and focused interests.

  • Diagnosis and support levels range from Level 1 (requiring support) to Level 3 (requiring very substantial support).

Understanding Autism Spectrum and its Diagnosis

  • Higher rates of diagnosis in males; under-diagnosis in females and diverse populations.

  • Diagnostic criteria focus on deficits rather than the differences of Autistic experience.

Co-Occurrence: AuDHD

  • Co-occurrence of ADHD and Autism, examining how traits can both compensate for and mask one another, complicating diagnosis and support strategies.

Imposter Syndrome

  • Definition: Psychological phenomenon characterized by self-doubt, fear of exposure, and perceived inadequate accomplishment.

  • Affecting ~80% of individuals, especially those in high-achieving or minority groups.

Connections and Final Thoughts

  • Importance of understanding neurodevelopmental differences, social perceptions, and the lived experiences of individuals with ADHD and Autism.

  • Emphasis on education, advocacy, and the role of community in supporting neurodivergent individuals in society.

Conclusion

  • The study of psychology provides insights into human behavior, thought processes, and emotional functioning, contributing to individual and societal understanding.