How to Support Your Neurodivergent Child at Home and School
If your child is neurodivergent—meaning they have ADHD, autism, are gifted, or any combination of the above—you’ve probably been given a weird mix of advice that sounds like:
“Just be more consistent.”
“They need consequences.”
“They’ll grow out of it.”
“They’re fine. They’re just smart and sensitive.”
Meanwhile, you’re living in a daily cycle of emotional extremes, school emails, and wondering if you're doing enough—or too much.
At Sunburst Psychology, we work with neurodivergent children and their families across Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland. We help kids thrive in their uniqueness while giving parents the tools to support—not over-manage—their child’s brain and nervous system.
Here’s how to support your neurodivergent child at home and in school, without burning out or giving in to shame-fueled Pinterest parenting.
First, What Neurodivergent Actually Means
Neurodivergence isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a framework.
It includes kids with:
ADHD
Autism
Giftedness / 2e (twice exceptional)
Sensory processing challenges
Learning differences
These kids often:
Struggle with regulation (emotions, attention, energy)
Feel misunderstood or out of sync
Have uneven development (off-the-charts in some areas, behind in others)
Experience social anxiety, rigid thinking, or extreme sensitivity
They don’t need “fixing.” They need support that fits their brain.
At Home: Create a Supportive Environment
1. Structure Is Safety
Neurodivergent kids thrive when the day isn’t one big surprise.
Use routines, visual schedules, and gentle heads-ups before transitions.
Let them know what’s coming—especially if their nervous system tends to be hyper-alert.
2. Say Yes to Regulation Tools
Weighted blankets. Chewy necklaces. Noise-canceling headphones. Wiggle stools.
If it helps them focus, calm down, or feel safe—it’s valid.
And no, it’s not “spoiling.” It’s resourcing.
3. Ditch the Shame, Build the Skills
Neurodivergent kids often hear:
“Why can’t you just…?”
“Act your age.”
“Stop being so sensitive.”
Instead, try:
“Looks like this was too much for your brain today.”
“Let’s figure out what helps you feel calm.”
“You’re allowed to need something different.”
At School: Be Your Child’s Advocate (Not Their Translator)
1. Collaborate—Don’t Apologize
Your child doesn’t need to be “fixed” to fit school.
They need understanding.
You can ask for accommodations, clarify strengths and challenges, and push for flexible approaches—without downplaying your child’s needs.
2. Build Bridges With Teachers
Give teachers insights, not just a list of diagnoses.
Try:
“Here’s what helps when he gets overwhelmed.”
“She needs a quiet space to regroup.”
“If transitions are rushed, we tend to lose her for the whole day.”
3. Normalize Neurodivergence in Your Language
Say the words: ADHD. Autism. Sensory. Gifted. Twice exceptional.
Let your child hear you talk about their brain with respect, not hesitation.
This isn’t something to hide. It’s something to understand.
How Therapy Helps Neurodivergent Kids (and Parents)
At Sunburst Psychology, we offer therapy and parent support for families with neurodivergent kids ages 3–17. We help them:
Build emotional regulation skills
Understand and embrace their differences
Improve communication and social confidence
Cope with overwhelm, anxiety, and burnout
Feel seen, not pathologized
We also offer parent training so you can support your child with calm, clarity, and tools that actually make sense for your family.
Supporting Neurodivergent Kids in Bellevue, Redmond & Kirkland
You’re not failing. You’re parenting a child whose brain was built differently—beautifully, sometimes chaotically, but not wrongly.
And they’re lucky to have you.
Let us help you both feel supported, seen, and understood.
