Understanding Differently
Explore our psychology-led articles on neurodiversity, parenting and neuroaffirmative practice.
The Neurodivergent Parent “Triple Whammy”: Why Parenting Asks More of Us – and What Actually Helps
The Neurodivergent Parent Triple Whammy: Why Parenting Feels Harder – and What Helps. Parenting can genuinely ask more of neurodivergent parents – from sensory overload and executive functioning to emotional regulation and finding your village. Our clinical psychologists explain the science behind the “triple whammy”, the strengths it brings, and practical strategies that help.
Have you seen our resources for parents?
Parenting while neurodivergent can make self-care feel out of reach. This gentle, pressure-free guide offers a list of realistic, achievable ways to support your wellbeing and regulation - without the overwhelm.
Forget perfection or lifestyle overhauls - this resource focuses on small, comforting moments you can actually fit into your day. From finishing a hot drink to taking a quiet minute alone, each idea is designed with neurodivergent minds in mind.
Includes playful, low-effort methods for choosing self-care options (like dice rolls or pick-and-mix games), making it both accessible and fun.
This workbook will help you explore your neurodivergent needs, and your child’s, beyond diagnostic labels, so you can build clarity, compassion, and sustainable support.
If you’re autistic, ADHD, or AuDHD, it can be difficult to understand what your individual needs are. Many neurodivergent people say, “I have no idea what I need!” and then understandably struggle to identify what helps them. If this resonates, it’s not your fault.
Bringing your awareness to your individual needs is the first step toward understanding them and giving yourself permission to meet them. This is part of our 3 step process: Aware, Allow, Adapt.
This can feel even more complex if you’re a parent, especially in a multiply neurodivergent family. Clashing or contradictory needs between family members can create tension, misunderstandings, and overwhelm. Finding a balance that works for everyone is hard. But when needs go unmet, stress, burnout and conflict become more likely.
Parenting a child or teen who is sensitive to demands or pressure, or who has a PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance/Pervasive Drive for Autonomy) profile means understanding that control, autonomy, and emotional safety are central needs.
Demand-sensitivity is common in neurodivergent children, particularly those with autistic traits, but ADHD characteristics can play a role, too.
What looks like avoidance or defiance is often the protective response of a highly sensitive nervous system in relation to fear, anxiety, overwhelm, or loss of agency. This can happen frequently during times of transition or boundaries.
In this guide, we share strategies that can help you create a calmer, more connected home. They can be tailored based on age and need.
Parenting while neurodivergent is different. So is this space.
We know that being a neurodivergent parent comes with its own set of unique strengths and challenges. That’s why we believe in support for parents, not just parenting.
All our parent resources and webinars are included with unlimited access within The Neurodivergent Parent Space community - plus our emotional regulation skills course, and authentic connection with other neurodivergent parents.
Sign up today and get your first 2 weeks free*.
No pressure. Cancel anytime.
*Membership is £24.99/month following a 2 week free trial & includes access to the entire community, resource library, self-paced course, & monthly webinars - each worth £24.99 standalone - plus the replay archive exclusive to the community.
Podcasts we’re featured in
Promoting a neuroinclusive world is at the heart of our mission.
The Neurodiversity Practice supports families, organisations, and practitioners in navigating neurodivergence with cutting-edge expertise and neuroaffirmative authenticity. We offer webinars, workshops, resources, talks and bespoke training. We help you to help neurodivergent individuals thrive, whatever the setting.
Get in touch to discuss how we can support you.
