Raising ND kids with no training

Let’s be honest — no one hands you a manual when you realise your child is neurodivergent.

No PowerPoint. No training session. No “Welcome to the ND Club” orientation.

You may have thought you were signing up to the neurotypical edition of parenting. The one most people get that you are quite familiar with from friends and TV shows. Alas, you found yourself in Holland when you thought you were travelling to Italy.

For many parents, that moment of realisation comes with a mix of relief (“Ah, this explains so much”) and overwhelm (“Okay… now what do I do?”). You love your child fiercely, but suddenly you’re expected to understand executive function, sensory profiles, emotional regulation, stimming, school support systems…

So if you’ve ever thought, “I have no idea what I’m doing,” you’re in very good company.

I have absolutely been there, and I started ND Support and Coaching specifically to share what I have learned and create that manual to hand to overwhelmed parents.

If you grew up knowing you’re neurodivergent yourself, you may already have an intuitive sense of what helps and what hinders. You might recognise the signs of overwhelm before others do, or know how much recovery time transitions can take. That lived experience is gold.

But if you’re a late-diagnosed parent — or just beginning to explore neurodivergence in yourself — it’s okay to start with what you do know. Think about what’s helped you function, focus, rest or regulate. Chances are, those same supports (routines, downtime, movement, noise control, snacks, structure) might also help your child. Think about what made your life hard as a child, the things, looking back, that you wish you could change. Do not repeat.

When it comes to finding help, start with reputable sources.
Allied health professionals that work with your child like Occupational Therapists, Paediatricians and Psychologists can help you understand your child’s profile and strengths — not just the challenges. A good OT can be worth their weight in gold when it comes to sensory and regulation strategies.

The internet can be a blessing and a minefield. Social media is full of voices sharing lived experience — and yes, there’s some real gold there. But not all advice is created equal and some of it can be damaging and toxic. Follow creators who value neuroaffirming practices, who talk about support, and don’t promote ways to help your child hide their neurodivergence (if it sounds shaming or promises a “cure” — scroll right past.)

Above all, remember this: you’re not behind. You’re learning to understand your child’s brain, and probably your own, too. That’s not something you can cram overnight — it’s a slow, steady process of noticing, adjusting, and offering safety first.

So take a breath. You don’t need to have it all figured out today. The goal isn’t to become an expert — it’s to become attuned. And you’re already doing that just by reading this.