About ABCN clinics

ABCN Clinics specialise in supporting children, young people and young adults with Neurodevelopmental Conditions, Developmental Trauma and associated emotional and mental health difficulties.

“The neurodevelopmental disorders are a group of conditions with onset in the developmental period “ – DSM V

-Typically manifest early in development

-Characterised by developmental deficits

-Impairments of personal, social, academic and occupational functioning

Common neurodevelopmental conditions include.

 Specific Learning Disorders (involving reading, writing and arithmetic )

Motor Disorders such as developmental coordination disorders, tic disorders

Communication Disorders

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Intellectual Disability

Foetal Alcohol spectrum Disorder

These conditions often share some of the same genetic and environmental risks , each condition has distinct clinical and cognitive profile. Often more than one condition can be present in the same individual.

Different type of orchids represent different neurodevelopmental conditions

 Impact of Trauma on Neurodevelopment and Learning ?

Early Childhood Trauma can have significant impact on Neurodevelopment. Trauma increases the risk of developing a number of neurodevelopmental conditions.

Although many of these conditions are significantly heritable, maltreatment can nevertheless contribute to the symptom expression and severity of each form of disorder.

There are some similarities in the interventions for neurodevelopmental conditions and developmental trauma. Both share some common deficits for eg: in executive functioning and resulting psychological problems from having these deficits e.g. impact on anxiety, peer relationships, self esteem and formation sense of self or self-identity. There are some distinctive interventions  for eg: treatment of ADHD with medication , specific approaches for Dyslexia /Dyspraxia

 Owing to neuroplasticity,  approaches to treat developmental trauma can have a positive impact on neurodevelopment. Supporting neurodevelopmental needs can help reduce the impact of trauma.

Neurodivergent traits and Mental Health

Any trait can be an advantage for some people if they have the opportunity to deploy it in a useful way —for example, being extremely creative or gifted with numbers. For some, however, having neurodivergent traits may create challenges, especially when navigating settings where there are social expectations. The differences can lead to, or be associated with, difficulties, including mental illnesses.

Embracing Complexity- Multidisciplinary Approach

ABCN Clinics recognise the impact and interaction between all of these conditions rather than treating them as separate constructs. 

Focus more on individuals and their unique brains, their social, emotional and vocational needs.

Embrace strengths based and trauma informed education approaches, use of self-regulation and emotion regulation tools , care giver therapy , managing safe environment for self and others , and provide therapeutic support to address life style factors to improve symptoms.

ABCN clinics recommend appropriate balance of personalised interventions and systemic ( classroom based )  interventions , supporting  children and young people to lead a life with positive emotions & connections, engagement, sense of accomplishment and meaning.