As a parent or guardian of a neurodivergent child, you’re often their strongest advocate. Neurodivergence is the idea that people’s brains are different, producing a different thought process. Several conditions and disorders fall under this umbrella such as autism, sensory processing disorders and ADHD. Becoming a parent is a rewarding journey, and supporting and understanding children with neurodivergence adds an enriching layer to that experience. In this blog post, we will provide actionable tips for supporting neurodivergent children in their daily lives.
The first thing to consider is communication. Neurodivergent children may communicate differently, whether due to verbal delays, difficulty interpreting social cues or nonverbal communication. Because of this, one must adapt. Helpful tips to navigate communication are to use direct, simple language (void of sarcasm), be patient with responses, and implement visual aids to support communication (picture boards and apps). Employing these tips will hopefully make the process of communicating with your child easier and more effective.
A common occurrence experienced by both parent and child is meltdowns. It is necessary to understand that these are not a form of misbehavior, but are typically a result of a trigger by sensory overload or emotional distress. To mitigate these meltdowns, start by staying calm and providing a safe place. Keeping the environment quiet and reducing any external stimuli will provide an opportunity to calm down and address triggers. Next, work to identify and track possible triggers. By doing this, you’ll likely be able to avoid potential triggers in the future. Lastly, offering comfort and reassurance in any means will be beneficial; whether it be calming objects like soft, squishy toys or devices such as noise-canceling headphones.
Another matter to consider is schedule changes, which are frequently troublesome for children on the spectrum. However, through proper preparation, one can make these streamlined and stress-free. To reduce the anxiety caused by sudden changes, the child should be made aware of any changes in advance. This can be done through visual calendars or verbal reminders. Providing constant expectations, such as a checklist of activities, can keep both parent and child on track. Finally, offering additional support and flexibility in times of change can be quite supportive. This can be done through providing comfort items or acknowledging feelings.
While understanding and supporting your neurodivergent child, remember to also prioritize your self-care. Without self-care, one cannot take care of another! Try to seek support from others when needed through a support group, family member or friend. Also, giving yourself grace and patience will inevitably bring less stress. Recognize that you are doing your best and allow yourself compassion on challenging days.
To review, the best ways to support and understand your neurodivergent children are to adapt your communication strategies, prepare for routine changes and practice self-care. Through these actions, you’ll be able to take on the most challenging days with ease. As always, if you need additional assistance or resources, please call us today at (843) 225-5080.
References:
https://www.childrenscolorado.