Weekly Newsletter: Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Become More Independent
+ Upcoming Holiday Parent Workshop on Friday, December 1st!
Featured on the blog this week…
Helping Your Neurodivergent Child Become More Independent
If you are raising a neurodivergent child, the uncertainty of their future can feel very anxiety-provoking. Will they learn to drive? Will they be able to live on their own? Will they be happy?
One gift of parenting a child developing on their own path and time frame is that you learn quickly to let go of any plans beyond about a school year’s span of time. You learn to remain present in solving the problems and celebrating the wins of today. You appreciate even a small milestone because you have watched your child struggle to do things and you notice the relief and pride on their face when they are finally able to do it. The flip side of this experience, of course, is not knowing if and when your child will become independent with various skills.
On the podcast…
How to Help Neurodivergent Kids Thrive at School
As you all know, I am taking a break from my regularly scheduled podcast for the holiday season. I loved getting to share my interview with Dayna Abraham on the Calm the Chaos Podcast this week!
Did you answer ‘YES’ to any of the questions below? If so, this episode is for you!
Is your kid coming home exhausted and just DONE at the end of the school day?
Do they resist going to school because it stresses them out?
Do they struggle with homework?
Are teachers telling you your child isn't turning in assignments or keeping up, even with an IEP or 504?
How do you communicate best with teachers?
Are you wondering: Why do some kids have a hard time in school, and do they even feel safe there?
Listen in as we discuss the hurdles neurodivergent kids face in school, the gap between expectations and support, the impact of anxiety on learning, and the critical role collaboration plays between parents and teachers!
What people are saying …
Are you subscribed to my Substack yet?
I love substack because it is more than just a platform for my writing. It is an online community where you can join me and other awesome parents & teachers nurturing neurodivergent youth by sharing our ideas in the comments and chat threads! My upcoming monthly parent workshops in 2024 are also going to be announced in posts on Substack and I don’t want you to miss it!
See what people are saying below and subscribe for free at the link!
“Just met you at CoM. I’m a single dad of two little ones and need and appreciate the wisdom to help me on this journey” — Parent
“I support your work as a mental health clinician with 17 years working with individuals, couples, parents, and families. I now have 3 school-aged neurodivergent children of my own. I value the information and support you offer to parents and teachers doing our best to help our kids with brain based differences.” — Parent
“You continue to be such an incredible, inspiring wealth of knowledge for my child and me! We are so glad to have a chance to learn from you. YOU ARE SUCH A GIFT! — Parent
For parents…
Register for my December 1st Holiday Parent Workshop!
My HOLIDAY PARENT WORKSHOP on supporting your neurodivergent child this holiday season is right around the corner!
Routine changes, traveling to new places, lots of free time, and relatives who don’t get your kid (or your parenting decisions)…
Holiday time is one of the most stressful for parents raising neurodivergent kids.
In this workshop, you'll learn:
How to get ahead of all those days at home with more structure & visuals
Teaching your child how to manage free time on all those stay-home days
Preparing your child to travel including tips for sleep, meals, & activities
What to say to relatives who just don’t get your kid or the fact that they will only be eating mac & cheese and you will be leaving early
My thoughts on the Elf on the Shelf, how to reveal the truth about Santa, & managing anxiety around gift-giving and opening presents.
Join me on Zoom Friday, December 1st 11:00am ET / 8:00am PT.
For educators…
My 2024 school speaking calendar is open!
If you are a school administrator looking for professional development for your pre-K through 5th grade teachers, you’re in the right place! I’m available for speaking in-person in North Carolina and virtually, depending on my availability.
Speaking topics include understanding neurodiversity, how anxiety impacts learning, supporting student behavior, teacher mental wellness, creating an inclusive classroom community, and effective collaboration with parents. Learn more below!
Can’t bring me to your school? Educators can learn on your own and receive 6 hours of professional development by enrolling in The Neurodiverse Classroom online. The online course includes pre-recorded lessons on all topics listed above plus downloadable worksheets to keep your ideas organized. You can learn individually or school administrators can enroll educators at group rates.
Inquire through the links below!