Reclaiming the Self: A Case Study in Resilience among Neurodivergent Young People

Resilience is the ability to overcome adversity and emerge as a self-reliant individual with strong self-efficacy. Attachment Theory purports that an individual seeks a secure base, which facilitates emotional growth and development. For the neurodivergent youth, there are an assortment of adversities (cognitive, emotional, social) that can make emergence into early adulthood somewhat perilous. This article discusses the dynamics of resilience in the educational journey of a neurodivergent youth and the impact of Attachment Theory on the individual’s development through a case study. Data was collected using available case summaries from the social worker, and interviews with the neurodivergent youth and their parents. Data was summarized in chronological fashion from when the youth was a toddler through 18 years of age. There are five considerations that are critical to a neurodivergent child adjusting well and developing cognitively, emotionally and academically. They are: 1) early intervention; 2) special education services; 3) family services; 4) wraparound support; and, 5) knowing identity is a strength. This article discusses these considerations and concludes with a presentation of buffers that facilitate resilience in neurodivergent youth.