In the Eye of the Beholder: Visualizing Strengths, Burdens and Desires Through the Lens of Neurodivergent Children, Their Parents, and Professionals Using the Yucel Method

Abstract

Abstract Objectives In mental healthcare, there is a growing emphasis on one’s strengths and context instead of focusing primarily on individual deficiencies, pathologies, risks, and negative emotions. Using the visual and tactile Yucel method, this study gains insight into strengths, burdens, and desires of neurodivergent children in residential care and their parents from different perspectives. Methods In this qualitative study, a total of 45 interviews with the Yucel method were conducted with nine neurodivergent children, their parents, and involved professionals. All built a constellation of the child and family’s strengths, burdens, and desires using the Yucel method. To explore if by applying this visual and tactile method additional information is provided to that gathered in the standard diagnostic process, the information of the Yucel method was compared to the information found in the multidisciplinary reports of the children. Results Thematic analysis showed that besides common mentioned strengths (e.g., mother, sports and activities) and burdens (mental health problems), differences in the informants' perspectives were found. Parents mentioned strengths and burdens that were not addressed by other informants and a diversity in needs was found. The comparison of the results from the interviews with the Yucel method with the information in the multidisciplinary reports showed that the Yucel method provided additional information. Conclusions The Yucel method brought more strengths and perspectives into view than diagnostics as usual in the first three months of residential care. This study contributes to the knowledge regarding personal, strength-based, and family-oriented diagnostics in mental healthcare of neurodivergent children and their families.