Guide to Emotional Wellness While Raising Neurodiverse Children
These help you stay grounded in the moment:
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5-5-5 Breathing: Inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5, exhale for 5.
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Sensory Reset: Touch something cold, smell lavender, press feet into the floor.
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Mantra Loop: “I am safe. I am steady. I am showing up.”
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Micro-Movement: Stretch, shake out your hands, walk to another room.
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Name It to Tame It: Say aloud: “I feel because .”
Quick Emotional Regulation Tools
These build resilience over time:
- Mindfulness & Self-Compassion
Practice observing emotions without judgment.
Try journaling prompts like “What do I need right now?”
- Parenting with Emotional Intelligence
Learn your triggers and respond with intention.
Use emotional vocabulary with your child and yourself.
- Community & Connection
Join spaces where you feel seen.
Seek out neurodiversity-affirming support groups and parent coaches.
- Celebrate Small Wins
Keep a “Proud Parent” journal.
Write down one moment a day that made you smile or feel connected.
- Therapeutic Support
Therapy isn’t just for crisis—it’s for growth.
Look for professionals who understand neurodiverse families.
Long-Term Emotional Wellness Practices
Helpful Resources for Parents of Neurodiverse Children
Best Practices for Supporting Your Child
ADDitude Magazine: Authoritative Parenting Tips:
https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/authoritative-parenting-tips-neurodivergent-children
Sunfield Center Self-Regulation Strategies:
https://sunfieldcenter.com/self-regulation-strategies-for-parents-of-neurodivergent-children
Stoller Parent Coaching:
https://www.stollerparentcoaching.org
The Neurodiversity Practice – Parent Support:
https://www.theneurodiversitypractice.com/parents
Bridge to Tomorrow: 10 Tips for Parents:
https://bridge2tomorrow.org/10-perfect-tips-for-parents-in-supporting-neurodivergent-children
The Center for Connection – Resource Hub:
Set clear, loving boundaries
Praise specific positive behaviors
Validate your child’s emotions without rushing to fix them
Build emotional vocabulary together
Create sensory-friendly routines and spaces
Prioritize one-on-one connection time
