4 Tips For Communicating With Your Neurodivergent Child or Adolescent

When you first found out you were expecting, you and your partner couldn't wait to have your own little person. You knew that they would be equal parts you and your partner, and you couldn't wait to have your own little mini-best friend.

What you didn't expect was communicating with them to be such a challenge. You assumed that it would come naturally. But you also didn't plan on having a neurodivergent child.

You love your child and wouldn't change a thing, but you'd like to do what you can to connect with them and improve your communication with one another.

Here are four tips for communicating with your neurodivergent child or adolescent.

1. Educate Yourself

One of the best ways to start the process of communicating with your neurodivergent child more effectively is to first take the time to educate yourself on their specific diagnosis. There are many different types of diagnosis that fall under the category of neurodivergent. Your child could have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, or Tourette's, to name a few. Depending on the disorder, your child may be impacted through their speech, thinking patterns, or behavior. Taking the time to learn more about their specific disorder can help your approach.

2. Make Observations

Another great way to learn about how to communicate in a better way with your neurodivergent child is to take the time to pay attention and observe them. Watch them and learn about their thinking patterns, decision-making skills, speech, and behaviors. Taking the time to watch how they interact alone or with others can help you interact with them moving forward based on what you learned from watching them.

3. Be Patient

No matter who you're communicating with, it's always important to be patient. This means being patient with your child, but also with yourself. No one said communication is easy, and you are both doing your best. Each person has their own thoughts, beliefs, values, and ideas. Communicating with someone who is neurodivergent can come with its own set of challenges. Patience can go a long way. It can help ease the process of improving your communication together. In addition to practicing patience with your child and yourself, make sure you're actively listening to them, pausing before you respond so you can think before you speak, and validating your child's thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

4. Start a Journal to Track Your Progress

Some days may be easier than others. You may notice that some approaches work better than other approaches that you've tried previously. Make sure you're keeping track of the progress you're making. You can try out different communication approaches or methods and see what works best for you and your teen. If there's a specific activity that works, write it down. This can be extremely helpful for yourself and your family but also a great tool to share with others like babysitters, teachers, or doctors who may interact, communicate, and connect with your child.

Next Steps

There's a good chance that your neurodivergent child or teen is already attending therapy or you're considering having them attend in the near future. Working with someone who is already specialized in these types of disorders can be extremely helpful for both you and your child. While you're focusing on your child and family's needs, don't dismiss your own. Therapy may be a great outlet for you just as much as it is for your child. Don't delay in getting the additional support that you or your child may need. We're here to help when you're ready. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation for parental support.