See Below Tips, Ideas, and Suggestions for Raising Neurodivergent Children and Grandchildren
Raising Neurodivergent Children
Raising neurodivergent children is a unique journey that brings both joys and challenges. Neurodivergent individuals, including those with conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others, have diverse perspectives and abilities that require special attention and understanding.
As a mother of five grown children, now raising two neurodivergent grandchildren, I am faced with these challenges on a daily basis. Often, minute by minute!!
Recognizing the challenges faced by parents and grandparents raising neurodivergent children helps us to navigate the complexities of our neurodivergent kids and grandkids.
Understanding Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence encompasses a broad spectrum of neurological differences, each with its own set of characteristics.
It is important for parents and grandparents to accept and embrace their neurodivergent children and grandchildren and not focus on any negative aspects of their personality.
Creating a supportive and accepting environment is the first step in fostering the well-being of neurodivergent children.
Challenges Faced by Families
The Educational System
My two neurodivergent grandchildren have struggled in the public education system. Honestly, I did not feel their schools were equipped to manage the challenges my grandchildren faced.
Because of my concerns, I continued to work with their school counselors and case managers in order to provide the necessary support and encouragement my grandkids need for their day-to-day educational journey.
Neurodivergent children often face challenges within traditional educational settings. Parents and grandparents may find it difficult to advocate for their child’s needs in schools that may not be equipped to provide personal support for their child.
Understanding the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and forming strong partnerships with educators can help address these challenges.
See What is an IEP Plan? Does My Struggling Child Need One?
Social Stigma and Isolation
Finding social activities and inclusion is often tough for neurodivergent children. Luckily, both of my grandchildren found a connection through the boy and girl scouting programs.
My grandson was only involved in Boy Scouts at a young age, but his experience was extremely supportive and positive.
My granddaughter joined the Girl Scouts when she was 8 years old. After moving in with me, and was involved with her Girl Scout troop for many years. She built many strong and lasting friendships through the scouting program and had wonderful, memorable experiences.
Many neurodivergent individuals may experience social stigma and isolation. Parents and grandparents need to promote inclusivity by educating others about neurodivergence.
Building a network of supportive friends, family, and community resources can help combat isolation and provide a sense of belonging.
For additional information on the Boy and Girl Scouting programs or other scouting programs.
Sensory Sensitivities
Many neurodivergent individuals have heightened sensitivities to stimuli such as noise, lights, or textures. Parents and grandparents can create sensory-friendly environments at home and advocate for accommodations in public spaces.
Understanding and respecting a child’s sensory needs are crucial for their comfort and well-being. My grandson is extremely sensitive to loud noises. Even the sound of popping balloons cause him to feel dysregulated. Meaning the inability to control or regulate ones emotional responses.
It is important we recognize his sensory sensitivities when planning a party or having visitors to our home. Now that he is older, he typically removes himself from a noisy environment if he is feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
Communication and Social Challenges
My neurodivergent grandson’s main classroom was in the autism support room. However, he was mainstreamed for most of his high school classes.
Meaning, that his learning took place in classrooms with the typical student population for most subjects due to his higher-than-average IQ.
Yet among his peers, he struggled to interact in social situations and withdrew from his classmates. His social challenges also kept him from engaging in the classroom or asking questions.
Therefore, although he is very intellectual, his lack of communication and socialization with other students and his teachers kept him quite isolated.
Neurodivergent children may struggle with communication and social interactions. This can lead to difficulties in forming friendships and navigating social situations.
Parents and grandparents can support the development of social skills through structured playdates, social stories, and role-playing scenarios.
Executive Functioning Difficulties
Some neurodivergent individuals may experience challenges with executive functioning, affecting their ability to plan, organize, and manage time.
Introducing visual schedules, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and providing consistent routines can help support the development of executive function skills.
Establishing an Individualized Educational Plan for your child will list and include strategies that will help your child with their executive functioning challenges.
It is extremely important schools follow progress reports and the measurable goals determined in your child’s IEP. If you feel your child’s IEP needs to be revised or renewed, you have the right to request a meeting with your child’s counselor and case manager to discuss various parameters of their educational plan.
Believe me… I have requested many review meetings for both of my neurodivergent grandchildren to make sure their educational needs are consistent with their IEP.
Nurturing Neurodivergent Children
Embrace Neurodiversity:
Celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of neurodivergent children. Embracing neurodiversity fosters a positive mindset that helps both the child and their family navigate challenges with resilience and optimism.
Open Communication:
Establish open and honest communication with the child. Encourage them to express their feelings, thoughts, and needs. This not only builds trust but also helps caregivers understand and address specific challenges.
Educate Yourself:
Stay informed about the specific neurodivergent condition your child or grandchild has. Knowledge empowers caregivers to make informed decisions, advocate effectively, and create an environment that supports the child’s growth and development.
To learn more information refer to these various articles and resources for parents and grandparents. This information can be shared with others with the hope of providing support throughout the parenting and grandparenting communities.
See Significant Challenges Faced by Students in School and Finding the Best Homework Tips for Parents and Grandparents.
Build a Support Network:
Connect with other parents and families facing similar challenges. Support groups, online forums, and community organizations can provide valuable insights, shared experiences, and emotional support.
Individualized Approaches:
Recognize that each neurodivergent child is unique. Tailor approaches, interventions, and support strategies based on the individual’s strengths, preferences, and challenges. What works for one child may not necessarily work for another.
Inclusive Activities
Sensory-Friendly Outings:
Plan outings and activities that cater to sensory sensitivities. Museums, parks, and theaters increasingly offer sensory-friendly experiences to ensure neurodivergent individuals can enjoy these spaces comfortably.
Art and Creativity:
Encourage creative outlets such as art, music, and dance. These activities provide an expressive and therapeutic platform for neurodivergent children to communicate and explore their emotions.
Structured Play:
Implement structured play activities that promote social interaction and communication skills. Board games, collaborative projects, and team-based activities can help neurodivergent children build relationships in a supportive environment.
Nature Exploration:
Nature provides a calming and stimulating environment. Outdoor activities such as hiking, gardening, or bird-watching can be enjoyable for neurodivergent children, offering both sensory experiences and opportunities for physical activity.
Therapeutic Interventions:
Explore therapeutic interventions such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or behavioral therapy based on the child’s needs. These interventions can provide valuable tools for coping with challenges and improving overall well-being.
Suggestions for Grandparents
Learn and Adapt:
Grandparents may need to learn and adapt to new strategies for interacting with neurodivergent grandchildren. Understanding their unique needs and preferences helps build strong, meaningful relationships.
Offer Respite Support:
Recognize that parenting a neurodivergent child can be demanding. Grandparents can offer respite support by stepping in when needed, allowing parents to recharge and take care of their well-being. (Unless you are raising your grandchildren like me!!)
Share Family Stories:
Share family stories and experiences with neurodivergence. This can create a sense of continuity and understanding, helping both grandparents and grandchildren connect on a deeper level.
For additional support ideas and information for parents and grandparents see, How Can Schools Helps Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
Journey of Compassion
Raising neurodivergent children is a journey that requires compassion, understanding, and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment.
By embracing neurodiversity, advocating for inclusive practices, and building strong support networks, parents and grandparents can contribute to the flourishing of neurodivergent individuals.
Together, we can create a world where neurodivergent brilliance is celebrated and nurtured, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Tips, Ideas, and Suggestions for Raising Neurodivergent Children and Grandchildren:
- Be Kind. The simple act of kindness to your neurodivergent child demonstrates your love without needing grand gestures.
- Be Patient and Flexible. Neurodivergent children may have specific routines and preferences. Being patient and flexible allows parents and grandparents to create a comfortable and accommodating environment that supports the child’s unique needs.
- Don’t compare your neurodivergent child to other children. Allow each child to be themselves without restrictions or conditions.
- Show them love. Love your neurodivergent child or grandchild unconditionally and let them feel your warmth and your love.
- Be silly! Neurodivergent children can be very playful and silly. Be sure to laugh with them and allow them to be their funny selves!
