Parenting Neurodivergent Children

Parenting a neurodivergent child can be deeply rewarding. At the same time, it often comes with unique challenges, especially as you find yourself taking on roles beyond that of “parent” while navigating complex healthcare systems.

This resource was shaped by conversations with parents who have walked this path. Our goal is to share their insights and experiences to help you feel less alone — and to offer practical information, supportive strategies, and compassionate guidance to help you care for your child while prioritizing the well-being of you and your whole family.

 

Next Steps After Diagnosis

The period right after your child receives an Autism or ADHD diagnosis can feel overwhelming and uncertain. You may be trying to make sense of what the diagnosis means for your child, your family, and the road ahead. To help you navigate this time, we've gathered insights and suggestions from parents who’ve been where you are — offering guidance and reassurance as you take your next steps.

1. Take Time

  • Allow yourself to process this new information and feel your feelings; You may be experiencing grief, guilt, relief, clarity, or validation

  • Give the people in your child’s life time to adjust and take in the diagnosis

  • Take time to understand what the diagnosis means for your child; What are their strengths, areas of challenge, and support needs?

2. Gather Information

  • Learn more about your child’s diagnosis (books, podcasts, Autism/ADHD self-advocacy sites)

  • Ask questions and discuss the diagnosis with professionals

  • Learn about which services your insurance covers

  • Research the professionals who can support your child and start building their care team (i.e., teachers, pediatrician, psychologist)

3. Talk With Your Child

  • Talk to your child about their diagnosis so they can understand and be aware of how their brain works

  • Explain it in terms they will understand

  • Normalize the idea that not all brains work the same

4. Develop a Plan

  • Consult with healthcare providers and specialists to determine which services your child may need and qualify for

  • Work with your child’s healthcare team to create an individualized plan to meet their support needs

5. Build a Support System

  • Lean on family and friends for support

  • Join a support group

  • Connect with others who are going through a similar situation

Supporting Your Well-Being

How Your Days May Change

  • Flexible work may be important

  • You could take on additional roles

  • Your daily routine will look different

  • Your child will have more appointments and therapies

  • Less time for yourself and others in the family

  • Family dynamics may shift

  • Big life changes could happen

Ways to Build Resilience

  • Learn more about your child’s diagnosis

  • Explore your own potential neurodivergence

  • Speak with a mental health clinician

  • Join a support group

  • Connect with other parents of neurodivergent children

How to Care For Yourself

  • Take time alone for yourself, even if it is only 2-3 minutes

  • Care for your own sensory needs

  • Get sufficient sleep

  • Move your body

  • Spend time outside

  • Listen to music you enjoy

  • Take a few deep breaths

  • Engage in a meaningful activity

  • Eat nourishing snacks

  • Foster supportive connections

Tips and Strategies for Family Well-Being

  • Talk to your child so they better understand how their brain works

  • Release shame and guilt and old parenting strategies that didn’t work for your family

  • Find a routine that works for you and your family

  • Manage your energy

  • Reduce sensory input

  • Reduce demands (eliminate)

  • Lean on support systems

  • Get extra support (childcare, food delivery, housekeeping)

Parental Burnout

Raising a neurodivergent child can be demanding, and it’s not uncommon for parents to experience burnout along the way. If you’re feeling exhausted or stretched thin, you’re not alone. We want to help take some of the weight off by demystifying what burnout is and sharing gentle, practical strategies to help you care for yourself while caring for your child and family.

What it May Look Like

  • Emotional disconnection

  • Loss of pleasure in spending time with your child (or others)

  • Intense physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion

  • Increased conflict with children or spouse

  • Feeling incompetent as a parent

  • Withdrawal

Signs

  • Changes in appetite

  • Different sleep patterns

  • Being less social than typical

  • Increased anxiety

  • Feelings of being trapped

  • Thoughts of escaping the situation

  • Thoughts of suicide

Building Resilience

  • Prioritize self-nourishing practices (sleeping, eating, drinking water)

  • Move your body, even in small ways

  • Engage inactivities you enjoy

  • Take breaks and schedule time for yourself

  • Ask for help

  • Use your support system

  • Acknowledge you feelings and emotions

  • Find other parents in a similar situation

Supporting Your Parenting Journey

We’ve created three downloadable flyers to support you on your journey as a parent of a neurodivergent child. Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis, feeling the weight of burnout, or simply looking for guidance, these resources offer practical strategies, parent insights, and reminders that you’re not alone.