NESCA Notes 2024

By Leah Weinberg, Ph.D. 
Pediatric Neuropsychologist, NESCA

In recent years, the conversation around cultural knowledge and sensitivity has gained significant traction across many fields, including education, healthcare, and psychology. Yet, despite the increasing prevalence of these terms, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly embodying cultural sensitivity, or are we merely paying lip service to it?

As a neuropsychologist, originally from the former Soviet Union (what is now Ukraine), I believe that cultural competence is not just a set of buzzwords we throw around to make ourselves sound aware; it’s a crucial, ongoing practice that demands attention, empathy, and, above all, genuine understanding. Now more than ever, as we witness global conflicts and societal shifts, it’s essential to engage deeply with the cultural and psychological needs of children who are affected by these events. The horrific events of October 7, 2023, in Israel, the subsequent rise in incidents involving anti-Jewish sentiments, and other crises around the world have had a profound impact on vulnerable children. How can we, as mental health professionals, approach these children in a way that truly honors their cultural identities while understanding the potential toll of trauma?

Children who experience trauma often find themselves at the intersection of multiple identities—cultural, familial, national, and personal. In the Jewish community, for example, the devastating events of October 7, 2023, marked a profound moment of collective grief and fear. For some Jewish children, the emotional impact of these events may be compounded by historical trauma, including awareness of past experiences of antisemitism and persecution. These children may be processing not only the immediacy of their own situation but also an ancestral history of violence and oppression. Similarly, Ukrainian children displaced by the ongoing conflict face a complex mix of trauma. These children might not only be mourning the loss of their homes, but also grappling with the disintegration of their sense of safety and national identity. The trauma of war is not just physical; it disrupts the very fabric of who these children are and how they see the world. Their cultural identity, bound up in language, traditions, and the shared history of their people, may suddenly feel threatened or fragmented.

It’s essential to recognize that cultural knowledge is not simply about understanding “facts” about a group’s history or customs. It’s about recognizing the psychological and emotional realities of that culture in the present moment, particularly when faced with trauma. When working with children from these communities, it’s important to begin by listening. Listen not only to their words, but also to the silence in between, to their body language, and to the nuances of how they express their grief and fear. Children from these communities may not always have the language to articulate their feelings, particularly when these feelings are wrapped up in both current trauma and long-standing cultural narratives. For instance, a Jewish child might not immediately say, “I’m scared because of antisemitism.” Instead, they may exhibit anxiety in social settings, avoidance of certain situations, or a sense of hypervigilance. It’s essential to recognize these subtler expressions of distress. Furthermore, cultural sensitivity means appreciating how culture influences coping mechanisms. For Jewish children, faith, community rituals, and family structures often play a significant role in both day-to-day life and in how they process adversity. These rituals, whether it’s a prayer or a specific practice for remembering the dead, can provide crucial emotional support, and understanding their importance can help guide effective interventions. Similarly, Ukrainian children may draw strength from their deep cultural connection to the land and their national identity. Understanding these cultural touchstones allows us to better support their emotional recovery.

To effectively support children affected by trauma, it is important to approach care from a framework that integrates both cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice. Children need to feel understood, and this means recognizing their cultural identity as an integral part of their experience. Safe spaces where children can express themselves without fear of judgment are paramount. It is important for clinicians not only to appreciate the current crisis but also the cumulative effect of historical events that have shaped the children’s cultures. As a clinician, this means being aware of the historical context and acknowledging the weight of collective memory. This helps to build trust and validates the child’s emotional experience. Working with families and community leaders helps ensure that interventions are not only culturally relevant but also supported by the broader social structure. This collaborative approach fosters resilience and provides ongoing emotional support.

Cultural competence is not a static goal, but rather a lifelong learning process. As clinicians, we must constantly engage with the evolving cultural, social, and political landscapes to ensure our approach remains relevant and respectful. This includes continuing education and being open to adjusting our practices based on new insights. Ultimately, cultural sensitivity is not about checking off a list of “do’s and don’ts.” It’s about recognizing and understanding that culture shapes how children experience and process the world. This empathetic approach allows us to meet children where they are—emotionally, psychologically, and culturally—and to support them as needed. As we move forward, let us take cultural sensitivity beyond a buzzword and make it a true cornerstone of our practice. In times of crisis, the need for empathy, understanding, and culturally informed care has never been greater.

NESCA has a long-standing commitment to working with internationally based clients, families, and schools through neuropsychological evaluation, consultation, coaching, and transition services. For more information on NESCA’s international work, visit: https://nesca-newton.com/international/.

About the Author

Dr. Weinberg specializes in the assessment of school-aged children and adolescents with a wide range of concerns including development disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia), language-based learning difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), and executive functioning disorders (e.g. slow processing speed). She also has experience in working with individuals with psychiatric difficulties, such as anxiety, mood disorders (e.g. depression), and behavioral disorders. Dr. Weinberg has expertise in working with children with complex profiles or multiple areas of strength and weakness that cannot be encapsulated by a single diagnosis. Dr. Weinberg is passionate about helping families better understand their child’s neuropsychological profile and the impact it may be having on their behavior or functioning in order to best support them in all areas of their life.

To book a neuropsychological evaluation with Dr. Weinberg or another expert neuropsychologist at NESCA, complete NESCA’s online intake form. 

NESCA is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Plainville, and Hingham, Massachusetts; Londonderry, New Hampshire; the greater Burlington, Vermont region; and Brooklyn, New York (coaching services only) serving clients from infancy through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.