Enhancing Mental Health Services for Neurodivergent Youth: Strategies, Outcomes, and Best Practices in Regional Areas
Tracks
Tamborine Gallery - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, March 26, 2025 |
| 12:10 PM - 12:30 PM |
Overview
Guy MacGillvray & Michelle Beer, Novita
Presenter
Michelle Beer
Clinical Lead - Psychology
Novita
Enhancing Mental Health Services for Neurodivergent Youth: Strategies, Outcomes, and Best Practices in Regional Areas
Biography
Michelle is a Psychologist with over 12 years of experience providing outreach services to a range of regional areas in South Australia. Primarily working with neurodivergent children, teenagers and young adults as well as young people with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Michelle supports clients to explore their strengths, build their skills, enhance their well-being, and achieve their goals. Through collaboration with key support systems and other allied health professionals on the team, Michelle endeavours to contribute to the development of environments that encourage young people to succeed. Michelle also aims to foster high-quality services more broadly through providing Psychology supervision, and contributing to the development of policies, procedures and practices within the organisation.
Guy MacGillivray
Psychologist
Novita
Enhancing Mental Health Services for Neurodivergent Youth: Strategies, Outcomes, and Best Practices in Regional Areas
Abstract
The increasing recognition of neurodiversity has underscored the need for specialized mental health services tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent youth, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This presentation explores innovative strategies and best practices including SCERTS for providing effective mental health support to this population in regional areas, with a focus on three key outcomes.
Neurodivergent youth often face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to their neurotypical peers. This presentation will discuss the importance of creating inclusive, accessible, and individualized mental health services that recognize and respect neurodiversity, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent youth in regional areas.
Outcome 1: Improved Accessibility and Inclusivity
The presentation will demonstrate how creating sensory-friendly environments and employing clear, consistent communication methods and technology can significantly enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of mental health services for neurodivergent youth in regional areas.
Outcome 2: Parent and carer involvement
The presentation will highlight how to successfully integrate parent/carer training about neurodiversity and mental health into sessions.
Outcome 3: Strengths-Based Interventions
By focusing on the unique abilities and interests of neurodivergent individuals, strengths-based approaches can foster a sense of empowerment and self-worth including SCERTS. The presentation will showcase evidence-based practices and case studies that illustrate the positive impact of these interventions on the mental health and well-being of neurodivergent youth.
In conclusion, this presentation aims to inspire and equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their services for neurodivergent youth in regional areas. By embracing neurodiversity and implementing tailored strategies, we can create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape that empowers neurodivergent young individuals to thrive.
Neurodivergent youth often face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges compared to their neurotypical peers. This presentation will discuss the importance of creating inclusive, accessible, and individualized mental health services that recognize and respect neurodiversity, with a particular focus on supporting neurodivergent youth in regional areas.
Outcome 1: Improved Accessibility and Inclusivity
The presentation will demonstrate how creating sensory-friendly environments and employing clear, consistent communication methods and technology can significantly enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of mental health services for neurodivergent youth in regional areas.
Outcome 2: Parent and carer involvement
The presentation will highlight how to successfully integrate parent/carer training about neurodiversity and mental health into sessions.
Outcome 3: Strengths-Based Interventions
By focusing on the unique abilities and interests of neurodivergent individuals, strengths-based approaches can foster a sense of empowerment and self-worth including SCERTS. The presentation will showcase evidence-based practices and case studies that illustrate the positive impact of these interventions on the mental health and well-being of neurodivergent youth.
In conclusion, this presentation aims to inspire and equip mental health professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their services for neurodivergent youth in regional areas. By embracing neurodiversity and implementing tailored strategies, we can create a more inclusive and supportive mental health landscape that empowers neurodivergent young individuals to thrive.
Biography
Guy MacGillivray is a Registered Psychologist who has been providing mental health supports the regional neurodivergent population for 10 years. Novita provide services to all age groups with a range of disability and mental health difficulties. Guy primarily focus on pre-teens who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Services are provided across the whole of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
