Make home a safe place

Life can be tough for our neurodivergent kiddos navigating a neurotypical world. But as parents and carers there is lots we can do at home to help our ND kids mask and unwind.

Why is this necessary? Well…

• ADHD Kids will receive 20,000 more negative comments then their neurotypical peers by the time they turn 12.

• The act of masking (consciously or unconsciously hiding neurodivergent traits) can lead to distress and burn out.

• Studies suggest that about 40% of individuals with Autism experiencing anxiety at some point in their lives, compared to around 18% of the general population. Depression is also more prevalent in those with autism, with some estimates indicating that 30-40% of autistic people may experience depression, compared to 7-10% of the general population.

• The statistics are very similar for people with ADHD.

Navigating spaces not designed for them is draining for neurodivergent kids. Think of the sensory demands, the societal demands, the transitions, the expectations, be it in the classroom, at the park, on the playground, at the shops. Everywhere is just that bit harder to navigate when it wasn’t built with your needs in mind.

So make home a place that you offset all that. Let your child unmask, stim, sing, space out, be quiet - let them be themselves.