Research has found that three-quarters (78%) of autistic children and almost half (44%) of ADHDers have at least one diagnosed mental health condition, with prevalence rates up to 5.5 times higher than their neurotypical peers. This is not a symptom of children’s neurodivergence, but rather the result of living in a world filled with rules, systems and environments that aren’t built for neurodivergent brains. As rates of diagnosis increase, it’s imperative that we understand how to effectively support the mental health and wellbeing of all children, no matter their neurotype.

From 2024 to 2025, Emerging Minds worked extensively with 10 practitioners and six lived experience consultants across Australia to better understand the frameworks and therapeutic practices that best support autistic and ADHDer children’s mental health. Contributors came from a range of allied health, social and community service backgrounds and brought both neurodivergent and neurotypical perspectives to the conversation. They described key principles of neurodivergent-affirming practice that position children and families as capable contributors and experts in their own lives, question neurotypical standards of behaviour and communication, and call on practitioners and decision makers to challenge ableist systems and stereotypes.

This presentation uses a case study to explore some of the key themes and strategies that emerged from this work. This includes practitioners’ efforts to understand the unmet needs underlying children’s behaviour, uncover and support their self-regulatory strategies, foster understanding and acceptance of children’s neurodivergent identities, and equip children and parents with advocacy skills (while also advocating on their behalf). These strategies are designed to complement practitioners’ existing work with children and parents, and can be applied across a range of workforces. Their focus is on improving children and families’ quality of life by understanding, accommodating and advocating for their needs, rather than controlling or ‘treating’ children’s neurodivergence.

This presentation will support you to:
1. Increase your understanding about autism and ADHD, including the impact neurotypical societies and systems have on neurodivergent children’s mental health.
2. Translate the principles of neurodivergent-affirming practice to your particular context.
3. Apply neuro-affirming practice strategies to support children and families struggling with a range of presenting concerns, including ‘challenging’ behaviour, mood disorders, dysregulation, family conflict and school ‘can’t’.