When our neurodivergent kids find comfort in everything staying the same, how do we help them navigate the inevitable big changes in life. In this episode, Kate and Dave discuss the challenges of facing major moments like moving house, changing school or church, or even leaving a country. They talk…
How do we work towards helping our neurodivergent children experience real joy at Christmas? Kate and Dave dive into the often chaotic but beautifully meaningful time of Christmas, highlighting the importance of balancing traditions with individual family needs. They explore how families can navigate the overwhelming and unpredictable nature of…
Imagine a home where kids can truly be themselves—especially neurodivergent children who mask all day. A safe space to express needs, build confidence, and be heard. This increases strength, not weakness. #Neurodiversity #Parenting #SensoryIssues #AutismAcceptance #HomeEnvironment
Is giving your child tools like therapy putty a disservice, or does it enable them? Teaching coping strategies is about balance. Find what works for your child! #ParentingTips #CopingSkills #Anxiety #ChildDevelopment
Should we adapt our homes for our neurodivergent children, or does that just make them unable to cope with life outside the home? Dave and Kate delve into this crucial topic, arguing that such adaptations can actually enhance resilience rather than weaken it. They explore the delicate balance parents must…
In today's episode. Kate and Dave discuss how to support children in navigating overwhelming environments, focusing on strategies to help them regain a sense of control. They consider the importance of training children for the future by involving them in the planning and discussion. They also consider a number of…
A staff team makes a family feel seen and welcome. They ask real questions and seek to include everyone. Being curious, collaborative, and creative creates a welcoming environment. #inclusion #collaboration #teamwork #community
A family's church visit became special when a kind person, aware of the son's love for Lego, brought the toys to church. The son's face lit up as he built, feeling treasured and a sense of belonging to the church family. #Lego #church #family #belonging #kindness
Have you ever found church hard? Kate and Dave delve into the vital topic of how churches can more effectively love and support families with additional needs. They explore practical strategies that can create an inclusive environment, particularly for neurodivergent individuals, and emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion within…
It's vital for parents to focus on spiritual growth, not just academic or social success. The ultimate aim is for children to know Christ and emulate his love and kindness in their daily lives. #ChristianParenting #FaithBased
Hyper-focus can be rejuvenating and relaxing. But if someone demands attention, it can feel like tendrils have been snapped. It can be painful and hard to focus again. Parents need to understand this. #hyperfocus #rejuvenating #attention #parenting #shorts
A teenager with AuDHD describes her attention when she's hyper-focused. She explains that it feels wonderful, like tendrils snaking into her work. Deep focus can be rejuvenating and give energy. #AuDHD #hyperfocus #ADHD #autism #attention #focus
Many people mask their internal struggles, even when appearing happy. Social anxiety and conditions like AuDHD can make socializing incredibly draining, despite outward appearances. It's a performance that hides inner turmoil. #socialanxiety #AuDHD #masking #mentalhealth #performance
A woman with ADHD describes her attention span like an untrained puppy on its first walk. Her mind chaotically darts between tasks and ideas, making it difficult to stay focused. Forcing focus becomes incredibly draining. #ADHD #MentalHealth #AttentionSpan #Focus #Analogy
It's not uncommon for neurodivergent people to find it harder to understand what's going on inside their body and read those signals. Recognizing internal cues, like being tired, can be difficult, leading to crashes or meltdowns. #neurodiversity #interoception #sensoryprocessing
Kate and Dave dive into the complexities surrounding anxiety in neurodivergent children, particularly focusing on the role of the amygdala in their emotional responses. They discuss how neurodivergent people may experience heightened anxiety due to their brain interpreting everyday stimuli as threats, triggering a fight, flight, or freeze response. Kate…
Kids often appear calm, like a swan gliding on water. But beneath the surface, they're working incredibly hard to keep it all together. Recognizing this effort is vital for parents. #parentingtips #emotionalhealth #kids #childhood #wellbeing
Discover how routines provide comfort and security for neurodivergent individuals. A structured environment, like a school day, can alleviate anxiety by offering a sense of what to expect. #neurodiversity #autism #mentalhealth
Kate and Dave dive into the complexities of life that can be both stressful and rejuvenating, focusing particularly on the experiences of neurodivergent children. They discuss how the love of God drives us to work hard on understanding and caring for our children. They highlight the importance of understanding attention…
Model asking for adaptations. Show kids what it looks like to adapt and regulate themselves. This helps them face the world with resilience, even when things get overwhelming. #adaptations #resilience #parenting
Discover how a sensory toolkit helps kids manage overwhelming feelings. One mom adapted her home by minimizing disruptive sounds, like appliance beeps, creating a more peaceful environment for her children. #sensorytoolkit #kidsanxiety #calmingtechniques #parentingtips
Recognizing and naming a child's emotions builds awareness and reduces anxiety. Understanding triggers, like music or light, lets caregivers help kids navigate their feelings and feel understood. It creates awareness around emotion. #emotionalintelligence #parentingtips #childdevelopment #anxietyrelief
Is adapting your home environment beneficial for children preparing to face an unadapted world? Research indicates a resounding yes. A supportive home can reduce triggers and overwhelm, helping kids re-energize. #parenting #children #homeenvironment #family #spoonTheory
Neurodivergent individuals often process the world in ways that drain their energy. Sensory input can either deplete or replenish their resources. For parents, understanding this is crucial to support their children's mental well-being and help them manage their energy levels. #sensoryprocessing #neurodiversity #mentalhealth #parenting #energy #awareness