While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, we know that fostering a safe, nurturing environment can help children grow and build resilience. Parenting neurodivergent children can provide unique opportunities for caregivers to be creative in exploring their child’s world, preferences, and strengths.
Below are a few prompts to guide parents in becoming curious about their child and her world.
- How does your child respond to her five different senses? Does she light up when music is played or jump at the chance to create visual art? Based on your child’s preferences, you can incorporate that sense into everyday life tasks and play. Below is an example of a visual chart for the school aged child that responds well to visual tasks or play.
- When are the moments in the day when your child seems more open to connect with you or siblings? How might you engage your child in a way she enjoys during those times of the day?
- How does your child ask for help? Many of us notice the verbal cue of “Mommy, I need help!”, but we can often miss smaller cues into our child’s needs. Sadness and tears after school may be your child telling you that she needs time alone to decompress. Perhaps angry outbursts before bed are a signal that she needs a bedtime snack or an extra cuddle before lights out.
This curious approach can help the family to grow and adapt as each member can be themselves and respect each other’s needs, strengths, and challenges.
About Maxine Iida:
Maxine is a Resident and is passionate about working with folks struggling with their relationships with food and their bodies. She has experience offering individual counseling to teens and adults. She specializes in depression, anxiety, disordered eating, and family or relationship issues. Her experience also includes leading group therapy for teens and starting a women’s psychoeducational group to focus on self-esteem, body image, and health.