The transition to parenthood - Care-Giving Experiences and Support Needs of Neurodivergent Parents
Tracks
Ballroom 2
| Monday, August 31, 2026 |
| 1:50 PM - 2:10 PM |
Overview
Dr Catina Adams, La Trobe University
Speaker
Dr Catina Adams
Course Coordinator, Child, Family And Community Nursing
La Trobe University
The transition to parenthood - Care-Giving Experiences and Support Needs of Neurodivergent Parents
Abstract
Background:
Despite comprising a significant proportion of our community, little is known about the caregiving experiences of neurodivergent (autistic and/or ADHD) parents and their parenting support needs.
This co-created study is a collaboration between neurodivergent parents, child and family health nurses, and academic researchers to identify the strengths and challenges of early parenting for neurodivergent parents. By valuing and including the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals, we have created strategies for a more inclusive, equitable, and family-centred child and family health service.
Objectives:
• To generate new knowledge about the parenting experiences of neurodivergent parents and identify the elements of neurodivergent-inclusive child and family health nursing practice.
• To explore nurses' perceptions and knowledge of adult neurodivergence and its potential impact on parenting.
• To develop resources for nurses and other healthcare practitioners working with neurodivergent parents.
Methods:
We conducted asynchronous online forums using Padlet. The asynchronous format allowed participants to review their responses, and participants reported feeling that the format gave each a voice.
The forum questions were co-developed by a consumer panel of neurodivergent clients of the Child and Family Health service and research academics.
The principles of interpretive description informed all decisions regarding sampling, data generation, and analysis in this applied qualitative health research project.
Data were analysed using thematic analysis, involving the research team and the consumer panel.
Results:
Twenty neurodivergent parents explored their experiences of parenting infants and children, identifying the support that would have assisted them in their transition to parenting. Other insights related to their experience of breastfeeding, where they gained informational and emotional support, their experiences of infant crying, toddler behaviour, and other sensory aspects of parenting. Parents described the potential for neuroaffirming health settings and the increased knowledge and skills required to provide effective support.
Despite comprising a significant proportion of our community, little is known about the caregiving experiences of neurodivergent (autistic and/or ADHD) parents and their parenting support needs.
This co-created study is a collaboration between neurodivergent parents, child and family health nurses, and academic researchers to identify the strengths and challenges of early parenting for neurodivergent parents. By valuing and including the unique experiences of neurodivergent individuals, we have created strategies for a more inclusive, equitable, and family-centred child and family health service.
Objectives:
• To generate new knowledge about the parenting experiences of neurodivergent parents and identify the elements of neurodivergent-inclusive child and family health nursing practice.
• To explore nurses' perceptions and knowledge of adult neurodivergence and its potential impact on parenting.
• To develop resources for nurses and other healthcare practitioners working with neurodivergent parents.
Methods:
We conducted asynchronous online forums using Padlet. The asynchronous format allowed participants to review their responses, and participants reported feeling that the format gave each a voice.
The forum questions were co-developed by a consumer panel of neurodivergent clients of the Child and Family Health service and research academics.
The principles of interpretive description informed all decisions regarding sampling, data generation, and analysis in this applied qualitative health research project.
Data were analysed using thematic analysis, involving the research team and the consumer panel.
Results:
Twenty neurodivergent parents explored their experiences of parenting infants and children, identifying the support that would have assisted them in their transition to parenting. Other insights related to their experience of breastfeeding, where they gained informational and emotional support, their experiences of infant crying, toddler behaviour, and other sensory aspects of parenting. Parents described the potential for neuroaffirming health settings and the increased knowledge and skills required to provide effective support.
Biography
Catina Adams is an auDHD academic nurse and midwife. She coordinates the Child, Family, and Community Nursing course and is the Discipline Lead, Specialty and Advanced Practice Programs in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University.
She was awarded her PhD in October 2022, asking how the Enhanced Maternal and Child Health program supports women experiencing family violence.
Her research interests include the parenting experiences of neurodivergent parents; Family Violence; Perinatal anxiety; Child, Family, and Community nursing practice; father- and non-birth-parent-inclusive practice; family-centred care; telehealth; and Clinical Governance.
