International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Abstract

Introduction: This study reports on a practical protocol for clinical information gathering, which comprise of three specially designed and consolidated questionnaires (based on best practice 360�?° view), a combined computer-generated report, and the iMapâ�?¢ to plot the results in order to create an opportunity to educate parents and teachers in matters concerning the underlying aspects associated with the symptoms observed. Additionally, the protocol allows for quick conversion of information across a multidisciplinary field of practitioners and clinicians with either the â�?�?at a glanceâ�? view (iMapâ�?¢) or the comprehensive report generated. The underpinning research is based on neuro-cognition, neuro-development, educational psychology, nutrition, biochemistry, speech and language components, audition, sensory-integration theory, EEG neuro-feedback, developmental optometry, and movement. With its aim to assist the practitioner (multidisciplinary), the application is not limited to any specific field, but rather to bring the fields together and create a global protocol/system in which to understand all the underlying components contributing to how symptoms present themselves and to be able to create a structured, cohesive and highly individualized program. A single, short case study will demonstrate the practical implication of this protocol and the multidisciplinary application.

Biography

As practicing Educational Psychologist in South Africa, Dr. Beulah van der Westhuizen has dedicated her career to finding solutions to better assist neuro-diverse individuals and specifically those on the ASD Spectrum. She has founded EduExcellence, a Private Remedial School providing Personalised Education, with a remedial stream and a special needs stream (national footprint). She has designed and coined TheraEd™, the concept being implemented within this bespoke school system. The design of the iMap™ and iDevelop™ is her latest contribution to the field and forms part of a greater vision to educate parents, teachers and professionals in the underlying root cause aspects underpinning the symptoms observed. This vision is to form a clinical collective view on the individual, enabling practitioners to work together to the betterment of the person in need.