Thriving as a Neurodivergent Parent: Tips, Challenges, and Support

Parenting when you’re autistic, ADHD, or both can be deeply rewarding and incredibly hard. If you're a neurodivergent parent raising autistic or ADHD kids, you probably understand their needs in ways others don’t. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Managing sensory overload, meltdowns, executive dysfunction, or demand avoidance while juggling your own needs can lead to autistic burnout or feeling constantly overwhelmed. And most parenting advice wasn’t built for families like ours. This space offers support, resources, and validation for autistic and ADHD parents raising neurodivergent children.

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  • Being an Autistic Parent

  • Being an ADHD Parent

    • Pregnancy

    • Postpartum Concerns

    • Juggling a Family

Parenting Help

Connecting with Community

Check out my ND Relationship Dynamics page (Info on romantic relationships/dealing with family issues)

If you feel overwhelmed - reach out and I can help you break this down.

Being an Autistic Parent

Being an autistic parent comes with its own unique mix of insight, exhaustion, and resilience. You might have a deep, intuitive understanding of your child’s sensory needs or social struggles but that doesn’t mean your own needs disappear. From masking through playdates to managing executive dysfunction on top of daily tasks, it can feel like there’s no room to recharge. This section includes articles and resources specifically for autistic adults who are parenting whether you're officially diagnosed, self-identified, or still figuring it out. You deserve support too.

motherhood and autism / adhd.

Being an ADHD Parent

If your brain thrives on spontaneity but struggles with structure, parenting with ADHD can feel like a daily battle. The constant mental load, the pressure to stay organized, the emotional ups and downs, it’s a lot. And when your own executive functioning is stretched thin, it’s easy to feel like you’re dropping the ball. This section offers support for ADHD parents trying to do their best, not what a Pinterest-perfect parent should look like, but what works for you. Real-talk resources, validation, and tools that actually meet your brain where it’s at.

nd parent - pregnancy and feeding.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy doesn’t look the same for everyone and if you’re neurodivergent, it can feel very different from what most people expect. Sensory overload might make everyday discomforts unbearable. Executive dysfunction can make it hard to keep up with appointments, meal planning, or remembering your prenatal vitamins. Hormonal changes might hit harder or feel more unpredictable. And while other moms seem to be glowing, you might be masking through exhaustion or shutting down from overwhelm.

ADHD and Autistic Postpartum Concerns

Caring for a newborn when you’re sleep deprived and your nervous system is already running on empty can feel completely overwhelming. Feeding, whether by breast, bottle, or pump, can come with unexpected challenges like sensory overload or feeling “touched out.” And it’s not just the logistics—your body and brain are also going through major shifts. It can take up to two years for hormones to settle, especially if you’ve always been sensitive to hormonal changes (like PMDD, mood swings, or sensory crashes). If you’re still foggy, irritable, or emotionally raw months later, you’re not doing it wrong. Your system is still recalibrating.

General Information on How Hormones Impact ADHD and Autism

ND Parenting Support

parenting adhd kids.

Articles: Tips for Managing Clashing Sensory Needs for Autism and ADHD

Podcast Episodes:

Multi-tasking within a family unit while on the spectrum.

Challenges and Strengths of Parenting in a Neurodiverse Relationship

***For an in-depth look at neurodivergent romantic relationships, check out my Neurodivergent Relationship Dynamics Page. There is information on communication differences, common physical intimacy issues, how to manage chores together, and couples therapy/workshops info.

Juggling Different Neurotypes in a Family

Sibling Issues

Let’s Talk

If you have questions or want support, please reach out to me and we can get started.

Persistent Drive for Autonomy

If the parenting strategies you've tried aren't proving helpful or seem to exacerbate the situation, consider exploring information on Persistent Drive for Autonomy. PDA is a nervous system disability that requires specific parenting techniques.

Adding To This Page…

I am continuously adding to this page as I get new information so come check back to see new additions. If you have any resources that you have found helpful but are not listed please email me as I would love to add them: henry@therapyforpetpeople.com

Please forgive any typos or broken links. As an ADHDer it’s a challenge for me to keep up but I am making it a priority as this page is truly a labor of love. Be sure to forward the link to others in your life who may benefit from this information. Bring some food and water as this is a deep deep dive into all things neurodivergent.

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Questions? Need Support?

If you have questions or need support, please reach out to me! This journey can be difficult, but you don’t have to walk it alone.