Keynote Presenter - Modiule Lawson

Deaf cultural consultation and

Advisory Services

for mental health professionals

As a Deaf Clinical Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I share my expertise through conferences, workshops, and presentations, focusing on adaptive therapeutic techniques in the areas of EMDR therapy, Neurodiversity, Neurodivergence (ADHD/Autism, *Deaf Autism), *Deaf Trauma and professional development for Auslan interpreters and allied health professionals.

By fostering understanding and promoting inclusivity, I aim to enhance mental health accessibility for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

Areas of Interest for continued research -
The overlap between Language Deprivation Syndrome (LDS), Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), highlights how cultural and developmental factors can influence diagnosis and underscores the importance of culturally informed assessment practices.

Language Deprivation Syndrome (LDS) and Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits, compounded by *Deaf Trauma (a term introduced by Anderson 2015, and used extensively by Karli Dettman 2020) are conditions that can mimic traits commonly associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The term "Deaf Autism," originally introduced by Aaron Shield, is utilised to describe two different presentations, Deaf and Autistic. Lawson adopts this terminology specifically to refer to Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Deaf/HH) individuals with a history of Language Deprivation Syndrome (LDS), including deficits in Theory of Mind (ToM) and compounded by Deaf Trauma. Lawson hypothesises that these factors may contribute to a form of Autism observed in Deaf adults and children *Deaf Autism. Unlike genetically based Autism, this presentation is characterised as a non-genetic, neurodevelopmental condition that could have been significantly mitigated or prevented with early access to sign language during critical periods of early childhood development. 

Areas of SUPERVISION/Cultural consultation

  • Understanding Deaf Culture and Communication

  • Cultural Sensitivity and Ethical Practice

  • Language Deprivation: language deprivation can affect behavior, cognitive development, and emotional regulation. Delayed language acquisition might mimic symptoms of ADHD, ASD, or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

  • Trauma and Complex Trauma in Deaf Individuals – “Deaf Trauma” (Anderson 2016, Karli Dettman)

  • Communication Tools and Assessment Methods

  • Differential Diagnosis: Communication barriers, trauma, and actual neurodevelopmental disorders.

  • Documentation and Record-Keeping: Linguistic history and trauma background.

  • Referral to Deaf Professionals: This collaborative approach can provide a more accurate and culturally competent assessment process.

Supervision Sessions

  • Initial Consultation and Overview (2-3 sessions):

    • Foundational knowledge, including Deaf culture, language considerations, trauma-informed care for Deaf individuals, and how these factors can affect the assessment process.

  • Case-Specific Consultation (2-4 sessions):

    • Additional sessions to review the case, discuss specific assessment challenges, and culturally appropriate guidelines.

    • These sessions can focus on reviewing specific behaviours and provide suggestions for interpretation and diagnosis.

  • Ongoing Support and Review (1-2 sessions as needed):

    • After the initial case consultation, ongoing support if needed for other clients or cases.

Estimated Total Sessions: 5-9 sessions (depending on the complexity of the cases).

Fees for Supervision/Cultural consultation

Single Session (1 hour): $234
Package of 5 Sessions: $1,050 (i.e., $210 per session)