Sharing an Understanding on Coping Strategies in Different Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Conditions: Shared Perspectives Across Adults, Caregivers/Informants and Clinicians.

Title: Sharing an Understanding on Coping Strategies in Different Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Conditions: Shared Perspectives Across Adults, Caregivers/Informants and Clinicians.

Description: Our neuroaffirmative care project seeks to better understand the wide range of coping strategies used by individuals with various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric conditions through direct communication with both clinicians and individuals with lived experience. Participants will be asked to complete a 20-40 minute survey regarding coping strategies observed in clinical practice. Through our survey, we aim to gather insights across a range of diagnostic groups including ADHD, ASD, and social anxiety to identify both shared and condition-specific strategies. Grounded in a neuroaffirmative framework, this project emphasizes recognizing neurodiversity as a natural variation of human experience, rather than a disorder that must be fixed. In this area of the project, we are interested in how clinicians observe coping behaviours in individuals and use that information to further tailor support to specific strengths and needs. Through analyzing these responses, our goal is to inform more personalized and affirming approaches to care that help clinicians work in ways that are both effective and respectful. Ultimately, this project aims to contribute to a broader cultural shift in clinical practice that values diversity in coping and functioning. The timeline for this project is July 2025 to December 2025.

Specifics: Study Population
Our study primarily targets Canadian clinicians working with adults diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, Social Anxiety, Major Depression, Tourette’s/Tic Disorders, and Learning Disorders, with a focus on their understanding of 'masking' or camouflaging'.

Participant Obligation:
Participants will complete a brief online survey (~20–40 minutes) regarding coping strategies and masking observed in their clinical work with neurodivergent adults.

Location: Online - Toronto.

Project lead: Louisa Man

Study Dates: July 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025

Study Website: https://www.azrieli-anc.com/coping-study-clinician-survey