What is neurodivergence, and what do parents of neurodivergent children need to know?
What Does It Mean To Be Neurodivergent?
Different neurotypes offer different strengths, andneurodiversityis essential for thriving communities.
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At the same time, neurodivergent people might have difficulties or be disabled due to their atypical brain functions.
It is important that they receive the support they need to thrive.
What Types of Neurodivergence Exist?
Any diagnosis that indicates a difference in a persons brain function can be considered neurodivergence.
Some people have more than one diagnosis with combinations that could look like:
What Causes Neurodivergence?
From an evolutionary perspective, human beings evolved to develop a wide variety of unique brain functions for survival.
What Should Parents Know About Raising Neurodivergent Kids?
However, there are some general guidelines for parents with neurodivergent children.
Ask the Community
Neurodivergent children grow into neurodivergent adults.
Seek out communities of adults who share your childs neurodivergence, and listen to them.
However, research has indicated a preference for identity-first language (autistic person) within neurodivergent communities.
If your child is able to communicate their preferences, listen to them.
For outside support, seek out your childs neurodivergent community.
This means that if your child is neurodivergent, you, as the parent, might also be neurodivergent.
You might benefit from anevaluationto determine if you are also neurodivergent.
What Does Neurodivergence Look Like in Young Children?
The many types of neurodivergence can look vastly different from each other.
In young children, it can be challenging to identify neurodivergence becausetypical developmenthas a wide range.
Children who learn much more slowly or quickly than their peers might be neurodivergent.
Do they avoid or seek out intense flavors, heavy blankets, snug clothing, or tight hugs?
These things can indicate neurodivergence.
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