Neurodiverse brains—whether ADHD, autism, giftedness, or sensory sensitivity—aren’t problems to manage, they’re experiences to understand. At Sunburst Psychology, we partner with families in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond to turn overwhelm into insight, stress into intentional strategies.

Here are practical ways to support your child outside of sessions:

1. Create Predictable, Flexible Routines

Routines don’t restrict—they reassure. Build daily structures that your child can rely on, but introduce small, controlled changes to build adaptability.
Example: Use visual schedules but occasionally include “mystery tasks” to help with transitions.

2. Language of Emotions

Neurodiverse children often lack the emotional vocabulary to express inner states. Make it a habit to label feelings—“I notice you’re tapping your foot, are you feeling restless?” This builds emotional literacy and reduces internal overwhelm.

3. Use Their Interests as Anchors

Passions aren’t distractions—they’re doors. Whether it's trains, coding, or animals, weave their interests into learning and growth.
Example: Use their love of space to teach time management: “Time to land the rocket!” signals it’s time to wrap up.

4. Practice Cognitive “Warm-Ups”

School transitions or social activities can trigger executive function chaos. Implement brief mental check-ins—“What will you do if you feel stuck?” These small planning moments help children internalize self-guidance.

5. Reinforce Effort, Not Outcome

Shift praise from “Great job!” to “You kept going even when it got hard.” This reinforces resilience and counters perfectionism—a common challenge for gifted and neurodiverse kids.

6. Prioritize Downtime with Intent

Some parents treat anxiety or dysregulation like it’s stubbornness. At Sunburst, we encourage scheduled “pause zones”—quiet, sensory-friendly spaces where your child can reset before bigger emotions emerge.

7. Collaborate with Their Support Network

Consistency across environments matters. We provide parents with communication templates to share with teachers or camp staff, promoting a shared understanding of strategies that work at home and school.

Why Parent Support Matters

At Sunburst Psychology, therapy isn’t just 50 minutes in a waiting room. Parent involvement turns insights into habits that last. We offer:

Targeted parent consultations to explore how to implement strategies
RUBI parent training for autistic children ages 3‑12
PCIT & Incredible Years programs grounded in behavior and relational techniques
Collaborative planning with educators and school teams

You are your child’s most powerful advocate—and we’re here to help you lead them with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

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Supporting Neurodiverse Children: What Parents Can Do Outside the Therapy Room