Three Key Learnings:
1. Balancing Competing Needs Requires Self-Compassion
Neurodivergent parenting involves navigating conflicting sensory, emotional, and social needs. Prioritising your own well-being and accepting that balance isn’t perfection is key.

2. Executive Function Challenges Are Real, and Support Matters
Struggles with executive function are common. Seeking support and practicing radical acceptance can ease the mental load.

3. Parenting Neurodivergent Children is Both Challenging and Joyful
Despite challenges, it fosters deep connection, breaks harmful cycles, and creates a more affirming environment for both parents and children.


Parenting is intense for anyone, but when both parent and child are Neurodivergent, it becomes beautifully complex. As an Autistic ADHDer raising Neurodivergent children, I’ve learned that parenting is often a paradox—feeling deep connection while also experiencing sensory overwhelm, advocating fiercely while battling burnout, and wanting to scaffold everything for my children while struggling with executive function myself.

One of the biggest challenges is balancing competing needs. My children and I share similar traits—intensity, sensory sensitivities, and deep passions—but that doesn’t always mean our needs align. They crave constant interaction while I need solitude to recharge. They seek tight hugs while my nervous system is overloaded. Parenting through this duality requires self-awareness, flexibility, and a lot of self-compassion.

Executive functioning adds another layer of complexity. Many Neurodivergent parents struggle with planning, time management, and organisation while also managing appointments, school meetings, and daily life. The mental load is immense, and without support, it can feel impossible. Accepting our limitations and finding systems that work for our Neurodivergent brains is essential.

But beyond the challenges, there is deep joy. We share an understanding that many others don’t. We celebrate each other’s passions and embrace unconventional ways of thinking. We’re breaking cycles, unlearning ableism, and creating a childhood for our kids that is affirming and safe.

This talk is about navigating Neurodivergent parenting with authenticity and hope. It’s about finding community, embracing self-compassion, and leaning into the beautifully messy experience of raising Neurodivergent children as a Neurodivergent parent. Because while it’s hard, it’s also deeply meaningful—and we are not alone.