Embracing the Journey: Parenting a Neurodivergent Child

When I started this parenting journey, people loved to joke about how hard it is. I always figured tantrums and tears would be the biggest challenges I’d face. Well, I was wrong. It wasn’t just my kids I had to manage; it was me.

The Unexpected Rush of Memories

What nobody tells you is that the moment you have a child, all the possible, unimaginable things from your own childhood come rushing back. With my firstborn, it all resurfaced. Suddenly, I wasn’t just parenting her; I was also parenting the little me.

I began this journey with many assumptions, and most of them turned out to be wrong. Imagine your child starts showing signs of being “different.” At first, you can’t quite name it, but deep down, something clicks. That click made me see myself. The little girl back in the 90s who was always “too much” for people to handle. Too loud, too sensitive, too everything. The one who always felt wrong.

Discovering the Labels

I started researching. Luckily, I work with kids and have studied child development, so I had a bit of a head start. It wasn’t long before I could finally give it a name: Autism and ADHD. But naming it wasn’t the end. The hardest part was convincing doctors and teachers of what I was seeing in my daughter. It took three years of pushing before the school even began to agree with me. Even then, they were quick to point to “bad behaviour” instead of understanding. Like, hello? You’re supposed to support us, not shame her! That fight eventually led us to homeschooling.

A Shift in Perspective

Once I stopped fighting her and started adapting to her needs, everything shifted. I dove deep into Special Educational Needs (SEN) and anything that could help me support her. At the same time, I started healing too.

The first thing I had to change was how I communicated. She needed fewer words, direct instructions, and one step at a time. Our routine also had to adapt. Visual timers and alarms became lifesavers. If I asked her directly, resistance would kick in. But if the timer went off, it felt like her decision, and suddenly, it worked.

Creating a Safe Environment

Daily activities had to change too. Now, she needs to know exactly what’s happening the moment she wakes up. We have a visual schedule with pictures on the wall. That predictability helps her feel safe.

And something unexpected happened. My whole family started studying autism and ADHD too. Once they learned from me that it’s genetic, they began recognising patterns in themselves. Things finally started to make sense.

The Lessons Learned

Parenting a SEN child has been nothing like I imagined, but it has taught me more than any book, any training, or any class ever could. It changed my daughter’s life, but it changed mine too. I’ve learned to embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs.

Finding Support and Resources

Navigating this path can feel overwhelming. However, I’ve found that sharing experiences with others makes a world of difference. Connecting with other parents who understand can provide comfort and practical advice.

Thank you for reading and being here with me on this journey. Together, we can navigate the complexities of parenting with empathy and understanding.

You can always reach me on

Instagram @silvia.london89

TikTok @motherhoodnprogress

email at thepracticalparent1@gmail.com

I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories.

Don’t forget to visit the Resources page where I’ve created "How to support your SEN child at home" printable guide to make parenting feel a little lighter.