Madeeha Syed

How To Parent Your Extra Special Child

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Overview

As a parent, you want to do everything in your power to support your child&rsquo;s development and help them succeed in life. However, parenting a child who is neuro-divergent can come with unique challenges. Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises and celebrates the natural variation in human brain function and behaviour. It acknowledges that people can have different neurological conditions or orientations and that these differences should be respected and valued as part of human diversity. Rather than viewing these differences as disorders or deficits, neurodiversity emphasises the strengths and unique abilities that people with different neurological profiles can bring to society. It advocates for social acceptance and accommodation for all individuals, regardless of their neurological status.&nbsp; 
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Some of the conditions that fall under the umbrella of Neurodivergence include:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)</li>
	<li>Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD)</li>
	<li>Tourette syndrome</li>
	<li>Intellectual disabilities</li>
	<li>Schizophrenia</li>
	<li>Dyslexia (difficulty with reading)</li>
	<li>Dyscalculia (difficulty with math)</li>
	<li>Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)</li>
	<li>Dyspraxia (difficulty with coordination)</li>
	<li>Intellectual disabilities</li>
	<li>Mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more</li>
	<li>Sensory processing disorders</li>
	<li>Social anxiety (a specific type of anxiety disorder)</li>
</ul>

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Identifying neurodivergency

So how do we identify Neurodivergence in our children? Here are some predictors and signs you can look out for:&nbsp; 
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<ul>
	<li>Family History: One of the strongest predictors of Neurodivergence in children is a family history of neurodivergent conditions. If you or your partner have a neurodivergent condition, your child may be more likely to have one as well. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Developmental Delays: Children who experience delays in developmental milestones such as crawling, walking, or speaking may be at higher risk for neurodivergent conditions. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sensory Processing Issues: If your child struggles with sensory processing, such as being overly sensitive to touch, sound, or light, this may also be an indicator. The child may also avoid cuddling, hugging or holding hands even with their parents and siblings. They may also develop routines or rituals for doing activities of daily living and become distressed at the slightest change. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Social Struggles: Children who have difficulty socializing with their peers, making friends, or interpreting social cues may be neurodivergent. These children not only fail to express any emotions or feelings but are unaware of the same in others as well. They also tend to have poor eye contact and difficulty initiating or holding conversations. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Information Processing: Children who process and learn new information either slower or faster than their peers may be neurodivergent as well. Extreme attention to detail and hyper fixation on certain objects and activities are also notable symptoms. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Self-harm: Activities such as biting head banging, cursing or repetitive movements such as rocking, spinning or hand flapping can also signal certain disorders.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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As a parent, it&rsquo;s important to understand that a neurodivergent child has different needs and may require different approaches to parenting. Here are some tips on how to best support your neurodivergent child:

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<ul>
	<li>Focus On Strengths: Every child has their own unique strengths and talents, and neurodivergent children are no different. Instead of trying to &quot;fix&quot; your child&#39;s challenges, focus on nurturing their strengths and encouraging them to pursue their interests. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Communicate Clearly: Neuro-divergent children may struggle with communication, so it&#39;s important to be patient and clear in your own communication with them. Use clear, direct language and allow plenty of time for them to process information and respond. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Establish Routines: Many neuro-divergent children thrive on routine and predictability. Establishing a consistent routine can help them feel more secure and comfortable in their daily lives. 
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Seek Professional Support: If your child has a neuro-divergent condition, seek out professional support from a healthcare provider or therapist who specializes in that condition. They can provide guidance on the best ways to support your child and connect you with resources in your community.</li>
</ul>

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Conclusion

In conclusion, being a parent to a neurodivergent child requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt your parenting approach to meet their unique needs. You can help your child reach their full potential only when you are fully accepting and accommodating of their condition and make space for them to be their whole, divergent selves.&nbsp;

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