Val's Take/Conjecture
- Study Reveals Brain’s Finely Tuned System of Energy Supply (2016), University of Rochester Medical Center
- Brain Energy and Oxygen Metabolism: Emerging Role in Normal Function and Disease (2018), Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
- Researchers determine how much oxygen the brain needs (2020), Medical Xpress
HomelessStories
Struggling to cope with autism, Peter lost his way and became homeless
Struggling to cope with autism, Peter lost his way and became homeless
LA Concierge Psycholgist
Autism and Double Empathy
Autism and Double Empathy
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust - UK
Criminal Justice Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service
Criminal Justice Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service
Elizabeth Bonker
Commencement Address
Commencement Address
Val's Take: Elizabeth refers to herself as "EXTREME."
As hard as it can be to recognize INTELLIGENCE and TALENT on the EXTREMES --- it can be even more difficult if someone is falling in the MUDDY MIDDLE.
We have a lot of people with Sensory Processing & Executive Functioning Differences that are "FLYING UNDER THE RADAR" because they are not the far end of one of many SPECTRUMS --- but they are struggling without more recognition, accommodations and workarounds.
In our society, many of those people are homeless, incarcerated or under-employed.
As hard as it can be to recognize INTELLIGENCE and TALENT on the EXTREMES --- it can be even more difficult if someone is falling in the MUDDY MIDDLE.
We have a lot of people with Sensory Processing & Executive Functioning Differences that are "FLYING UNDER THE RADAR" because they are not the far end of one of many SPECTRUMS --- but they are struggling without more recognition, accommodations and workarounds.
In our society, many of those people are homeless, incarcerated or under-employed.
Business Insider
Leonardo da Vinci & ADHD
Leonardo da Vinci & ADHD
Val's Take: The analysis in this video is TELLING.
There seems to be the ASSUMPTION that Leonardo da Vinci could have gotten as far as he did in his understandings AND still FINISH ALL THE PAINTINGS if he just didn't have that "ADHD."
There are TRADE OFFS in EVERYTHING --- if you are taking in ENORMOUS AMOUNTS of INFORMATION, your PROCESSING SPEED is going to be SLOWER and you are forced to make some decisions regarding your own LIMITED RESOURCES.
SOCRATES: All Men are Mortal
Socrates is a Man
Therefore, Socrates is Mortal
There seems to be the ASSUMPTION that Leonardo da Vinci could have gotten as far as he did in his understandings AND still FINISH ALL THE PAINTINGS if he just didn't have that "ADHD."
There are TRADE OFFS in EVERYTHING --- if you are taking in ENORMOUS AMOUNTS of INFORMATION, your PROCESSING SPEED is going to be SLOWER and you are forced to make some decisions regarding your own LIMITED RESOURCES.
SOCRATES: All Men are Mortal
Socrates is a Man
Therefore, Socrates is Mortal
PBS Vitals (April 2022)
There's A Blood Test That Can Diagnose Depression
Why Aren't We Using It
There's A Blood Test That Can Diagnose Depression
Why Aren't We Using It
Academy of Medical Sciences (UK)
Maternal Antibodies and Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Dr Ester Coutinho
Maternal Antibodies and Neurodevelopmental Disorders | Dr Ester Coutinho
Note: FASD is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Therapeutic Jurisprudence and the Mental Health Strategy Court
Glen Luther (USask College of Law) and Mansfield Mela (USask College of Medicine) discuss their research in the area of therapeutic jurisprudence and talk about the Mental Health Strategy Court in Saskatchewan.
Glen Luther (USask College of Law) and Mansfield Mela (USask College of Medicine) discuss their research in the area of therapeutic jurisprudence and talk about the Mental Health Strategy Court in Saskatchewan.
The Difficulty of Seeing Cognitive Disability at the Heart of the Justice-Involved Population
We've tended to view cognitive disability as a way to mitigate the effects of a punitive system in the most serious cases and a big pool of minor cases ---- but we haven't been able to quite bring ourselves to recognize that cognitive disability is the rule not the exception in criminal justice.
Some BIG KEYS we may not be considering:
- Executive Functioning Differences or Deficits
- Sensory Processing Overload
- Dysregulation of the Immune System and other systems of the body
- Social Behavior as a Delicate Balance of Innate and Adaptive Immunity
- Psychiatric Disorders are Disorders of the Neuro-Developmental Continuum largely resulting from:
- the interplay of genetics, maternal immune activation, epigenetics and environment and
- can involve multiple systems of the body including the brain and central nervous system, immune system, metabolism, microbiome and endocrine system.
- The importance of building on Natural Strengths as opposed to FAILING to recognize DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES, especially when it comes to EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING.
Our continuing efforts to secure Co Olmstead Compliance
Other organizational Stakeholders are ready for that class Action -- So Are We BUT there is a lot to do under the current cumbersome enforcement regime.
Colorado Olmstead Table
Under Construction
Under Construction
Substance Use: Olmstead & Parity / Addiction Equity
Integration Mandate
Under Construction
Priorities
The priorities are largely based on numbers and/or level of risk of harm.
We are open to HARM REDUCTION MEASURES if they are done in a context of substantial moves towards Olmstead Compliance, especially with respect to SUPPORTIVE HOUSING & SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT.
Under Construction
Priorities
- Coloradans with cognitive disabilities in jails & prisons
- Coloradans with cognitive disabilities who are homeless
- Coloradans with cognitive disabilities who are in nursing homes
- Coloradans with cognitive disabilities who are in mental institutes
The priorities are largely based on numbers and/or level of risk of harm.
We are open to HARM REDUCTION MEASURES if they are done in a context of substantial moves towards Olmstead Compliance, especially with respect to SUPPORTIVE HOUSING & SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYMENT.
Fundamental Alteration Defense
It's NOT available to Colorado State Government--- Why?
It's NOT available to Colorado State Government--- Why?
CO Olmstead Housing Data Dashboard
Will be cleaning up & adding to
Will be cleaning up & adding to
What We REALLY Need:
States to engage in Comprehensive Olmstead PlANNING
CURRENT RESEARCH
- It is less than the COMPREHENSIVE RDoC Program
- It is raising all kinds of REASONABLE DOUBT when it comes to our handling of Cognitive Disability in the Criminal Justice System.
THE BIG KAHUNA -- The Research Domain Criteria Program.
Started by the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2013 -- it was INITIALLY meant to replace the DSM 5.
Started by the US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2013 -- it was INITIALLY meant to replace the DSM 5.
Olmstead Litigation under the Americans with Disabilities Act
Burden of Proof: Preponderance of the Evidence to show REASONABLENESS of requested ACCOMMODATION of POLICY, PRACTICE and/or PROCEDURE under the LAW.
Burden of Proof: Preponderance of the Evidence to show REASONABLENESS of requested ACCOMMODATION of POLICY, PRACTICE and/or PROCEDURE under the LAW.
Section 1983 --- Allegation of Constitutional Violation under Color of Law.
Burden of Proof: Preponderance of the Evidence
Burden of Proof: Preponderance of the Evidence
4.3 Section 1983 – Elements of Claim
Model
[Plaintiff] must prove both of the following elements by a preponderance of the evidence:
First: [Defendant] acted under color of state law.
Second: While acting under color of state law, [defendant] deprived [plaintiff] of a federal [constitutional right] [statutory right].
Model
[Plaintiff] must prove both of the following elements by a preponderance of the evidence:
First: [Defendant] acted under color of state law.
Second: While acting under color of state law, [defendant] deprived [plaintiff] of a federal [constitutional right] [statutory right].
Criminal Cases require PROOF BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT because they may result in PUNISHMENT.
"Beyond a reasonable doubt is the highest standard of proof in [the] American legal system.
"The Constitution requires that the government meet this burden to find someone guilty of committing a crime. ... In a criminal case, because the stakes are so high, it is not enough to prove that the defendant is probably guilty." Dec 29, 2016
The State's Burden of Proof - What is Beyond a Reasonable Doubt ...https://www.justcriminallaw.com › 2016/12/29 › proof-be...
"The Constitution requires that the government meet this burden to find someone guilty of committing a crime. ... In a criminal case, because the stakes are so high, it is not enough to prove that the defendant is probably guilty." Dec 29, 2016
The State's Burden of Proof - What is Beyond a Reasonable Doubt ...https://www.justcriminallaw.com › 2016/12/29 › proof-be...
CHANGE IN PLANS:
We're going to get out a 1-Pager on a Public Health Approach to Criminal Justice & Olmstead Planning to compliment our 1-Pager on Double V -- Double Victory over Covid and Disability Housing Shortages.
The letter to the American Bar Association on "Anti-Social Personality Disorder" is being pushed off.
We want to collect letters from SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS in support of a Public Health Approach to Criminal Justice with respect to "Anti-Social Personality Disorder."
We're going to get out a 1-Pager on a Public Health Approach to Criminal Justice & Olmstead Planning to compliment our 1-Pager on Double V -- Double Victory over Covid and Disability Housing Shortages.
The letter to the American Bar Association on "Anti-Social Personality Disorder" is being pushed off.
We want to collect letters from SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS in support of a Public Health Approach to Criminal Justice with respect to "Anti-Social Personality Disorder."
Substance Use & Neuro-Diversity
[Under Construction]
[Under Construction]
Psychiatric Disorders and Neuro-Diversity
[Under Construction]
[Under Construction]
For many people, Neuro-Diversity (Developmental Inflammation) --- is an underlying vulnerability for developing a Substance and/or Psychiatric Disorder.
Further, people with PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS typically have HYPER-CONNECTED BRAINS.
What's the Point?
Val's Take: Neuro-Diverse People are working very hard in this society --- and it's often not enough due to IGNORANCE ALL AROUND:
Further, people with PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS typically have HYPER-CONNECTED BRAINS.
What's the Point?
Val's Take: Neuro-Diverse People are working very hard in this society --- and it's often not enough due to IGNORANCE ALL AROUND:
- The person is generally learning the hard way that they are different;
- The society doesn't know how to accommodate these differences, and most problematically ---
- The Mental Health Profession doesn't either. Further, the Mental Health Profession isn't really clued in that most of the people they are dealing with are Neuro-Diverse and at least on some level developmentally different, specifically greater developmental inflammation.
This is SCARY: We must have other OPTIONS.
AttentionTalk Video
An ADHD Conundrum: Doing Time vs. Taking Probation
An ADHD Conundrum: Doing Time vs. Taking Probation
Surprisingly poems by Denver writer Amy Strauss Friedman
What does the eggshell skull rule mean?
In simple terms, the eggshell skull rule states that injuries must be taken as they are without speculation about what may have happened if the injury victim did not have a condition that predisposed him/her to a more severe injury. This rule protects victims from something they have no control over. Aug 13, 2020
Understanding Eggshell Skull Rule | Chicago Injury Lawyershttps://dzinjurylawyers.com › Blog
Does the eggshell skull rule apply to emotional injuries?
The ability for a victim to receive compensation will not reduce from an at-fault party for the full extent of damages, even if the victim had a condition that put him or her at an unusually high level of risk. In addition to physical damages, the eggshell skull doctrine may also apply to emotional injuries. Oct 26, 2020
The Eggshell Skull Doctrine and Its Application in Personal ...
In simple terms, the eggshell skull rule states that injuries must be taken as they are without speculation about what may have happened if the injury victim did not have a condition that predisposed him/her to a more severe injury. This rule protects victims from something they have no control over. Aug 13, 2020
Understanding Eggshell Skull Rule | Chicago Injury Lawyershttps://dzinjurylawyers.com › Blog
Does the eggshell skull rule apply to emotional injuries?
The ability for a victim to receive compensation will not reduce from an at-fault party for the full extent of damages, even if the victim had a condition that put him or her at an unusually high level of risk. In addition to physical damages, the eggshell skull doctrine may also apply to emotional injuries. Oct 26, 2020
The Eggshell Skull Doctrine and Its Application in Personal ...
Entertainment Tonight
Dr. Drew on Britney's Conservatorship
Dr. Drew on Britney's Conservatorship
Val's Take: I think Dr. Drew is giving a fairly standard mental health professional perspective.
I don't think it is INVALID --- BUT it does go to this issue of EXPERTS in the SOCIETY and what kind of INFLUENCE they have when there are LARGE KNOWLEDGE GAPS in our UNDERSTANDING ---
Not just large gaps in our understanding of particular facts in a particular case, BUT large gaps in our understanding of PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS both generally and with regard to specific cases.
Who could be against Dr. Drew -- he seems so NICE and RATIONAL -- and yet, we don't have a Mental Health Profession that is on top of the Mental Health Crisis --- which Dr. Drew appeared to allude to when he pointed out that there were a lot of people who needed a Conservatorship more than Britney Spears.
Uka (Mongolia)
Margaashiin Nar Luu Hamt Ayalah Uu
(one of our favorites)
Margaashiin Nar Luu Hamt Ayalah Uu
(one of our favorites)
DW News: Caspar David Friedrich's "The Wanderer Above the Fog"
Val's Take: To me, The Wanderer may not have a perfect understanding, but has a "better" understanding than when he was in the "Fog." Getting out of the "Fog" involved a lot of hard work and climbing for a "better" but not perfect view.
Val's Take: To me, The Wanderer may not have a perfect understanding, but has a "better" understanding than when he was in the "Fog." Getting out of the "Fog" involved a lot of hard work and climbing for a "better" but not perfect view.
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Taylor Swift talking about "This Is Me Trying"
Swift talks about the challenge of going from school and multiple opportunities for pats on the back to an adult world with difficult choices and unclear paths.
Val's Take: I think it is worth unpacking Swift's observations. My own observations are that those academic pats on the back can be pretty reliable means of emotional regulation. My own take is that most "gifted" people are Twice Exceptional (2e) and the executive functioning challenges were often not picked up in K-12 --- I think that is the Flip Side of the Emotional Intensity associated with "Giftedness."
It was interesting to see some research commenting on a correlation between giftedness and "eating disorders."
Further, 2e is sometimes equated with high intellectual ability and delayed emotional development. I don't know whether the emotional development is as much "delayed" as "overwhelmed."
A lot of people find themselves trying to regulate their emotions with various substances -- legal and illegal -- a lot of people ARE doing that legally with cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, sugar or caffeine and there's a lot of illegal drug use.
Those substances (legal or illegal) can be problematic BUT a significant percentage of our population is struggling to regulate their emotions.
Swift talks about the challenge of going from school and multiple opportunities for pats on the back to an adult world with difficult choices and unclear paths.
Val's Take: I think it is worth unpacking Swift's observations. My own observations are that those academic pats on the back can be pretty reliable means of emotional regulation. My own take is that most "gifted" people are Twice Exceptional (2e) and the executive functioning challenges were often not picked up in K-12 --- I think that is the Flip Side of the Emotional Intensity associated with "Giftedness."
It was interesting to see some research commenting on a correlation between giftedness and "eating disorders."
Further, 2e is sometimes equated with high intellectual ability and delayed emotional development. I don't know whether the emotional development is as much "delayed" as "overwhelmed."
A lot of people find themselves trying to regulate their emotions with various substances -- legal and illegal -- a lot of people ARE doing that legally with cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, sugar or caffeine and there's a lot of illegal drug use.
Those substances (legal or illegal) can be problematic BUT a significant percentage of our population is struggling to regulate their emotions.