Page 4 - Introduction to Supporting Ethnically Diverse Families with Neurodiversity
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Case Study 2: Dyslexia in a Mixed Heritage Female Child
Background
Patient: Aisha, a 10-year-old girl of mixed heritage (African/white British)
Condition: Dyslexia
Presenting Concerns: Struggles with reading and writing, anxiety about
school performance.
Challenges
• Cultural Bias: Teachers and healthcare providers may have
unconscious biases that affect their perception of Aisha’s abilities.
• Limited Cultural Awareness: Lack of understanding about the
cultural context of learning styles and educational expectations.
Intervention
1. Initial Assessment:
o Detailed educational and developmental history with input from
both cultural backgrounds.
o Use of culturally adapted assessment tools.
2. Supportive Strategies:
o Employing assistive technology and culturally relevant learning
materials.
o Regular sessions with a dyslexia specialist who understands cultural
nuances.
3. School Collaboration:
o Working with the school to ensure culturally sensitive
accommodations.
o Providing teachers with training on cultural competency and
dyslexia.
4. Parental Involvement:
o Educating parents about dyslexia with respect to cultural
perspectives.
o Connecting the family with culturally relevant support groups.
5. Regular Monitoring:
o Ongoing reviews with culturally competent healthcare providers.
o Coordinated care with educational services, respecting cultural
diversity.
