Parenting is demanding at the best of times, but when the parent is neurodivergent, it often comes with added layers of complexity that are rarely acknowledged. This talk centres the lived experience of neurodivergent parents, including those with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent profiles, and explores how differences in executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and energy can impact everyday parenting.

Drawing on an Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy framework, the session helps parents understand their internal world with greater clarity and compassion. We explore how different “parts” may show up in parenting, such as overwhelmed, critical, avoidant, or perfectionistic parts, and how these parts are often trying to protect the parent in moments of stress or dysregulation. For neurodivergent parents, these parts can be amplified by chronic overload, masking, and unrealistic expectations.

Rather than focusing on behaviour change or “better coping,” this talk introduces practical, IFS-informed strategies that support regulation, repair, and self-leadership. Parents will learn how to notice and respond to their parts with curiosity, reduce shame, and create more space for calm, connected parenting, even when things don’t go to plan.

The aim of this session is to validate neurodivergent parents, reduce self-blame, and offer sustainable, strengths-based tools that honour neurodiversity while supporting both parent wellbeing and secure connection with their children.