Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges and rewards. Whether your child is awaiting a diagnosis or you’re just beginning to explore what neurodivergence means, understanding how to support them is key. This guide will help you recognize signs and symptoms, navigate the diagnosis process, and explore how therapy can help your child thrive.
What is Neurodivergence?
Neurodivergence refers to brain differences that affect how someone thinks, learns, and interacts with the world. It includes conditions such as:
✔ Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
✔ Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
✔ Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, and other learning differences
✔ Sensory Processing Differences
✔ Tourette Syndrome and more
Being neurodivergent is not a flaw—it’s simply a different way of experiencing the world. However, without proper support, neurodivergent youth may struggle with school, friendships, emotions, and self-esteem.
Neurodivergent Signs & Symptoms
Every child is unique, but some common signs of neurodivergence in preteens (10+) and teens include:
1. Social & Communication Differences
- Preferring deep one-on-one conversations over group settings.
- Difficulty understanding social cues, sarcasm, or unspoken rules.
- Strong interest in specific topics but difficulty with small talk.
- May struggle with making or keeping friends.
2. Emotional & Sensory Sensitivities
- Easily overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures.
- Big emotional reactions to unexpected changes.
- May shut down or withdraw when overstimulated.
- Uses stimming behaviors (e.g., rocking, tapping, fidgeting) to self-soothe.
3. Executive Function Challenges (ADHD, Autism, Learning Differences)
- Difficulty starting or completing tasks (even when they want to do them).
- Often loses things, forgets assignments, or mismanages time.
- Struggles with organization, planning, or prioritizing.
- May need reminders but dislikes being “nagged.”
4. Strengths & Unique Abilities
- Creative, deep thinker, or highly analytical.
- Passionate about specific interests (often diving deep into them).
- Strong memory for certain topics, facts, or skills.
- Empathetic and cares deeply about fairness and justice.
If your child shows several of these traits and struggles with school, making and keeping friends, reading social cues or poor social skills, it may be worth speaking with a therapists amd exploring the possibility of an evaluation.
Getting a Diagnosis: What Parents Should Know
For many teens, receiving a diagnosis is a relief—it helps them understand why they think and feel differently. Here’s what to expect:
Who Can Diagnose?
- Psychologists & Neuropsychologists – Provide comprehensive evaluations including a full psychoeducational assessment.
- Pediatricians & Psychiatrists – Can diagnose ADHD and some neurodevelopmental conditions.
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) – Help assess communication differences.
- Occupational Therapists (OT) – Evaluate sensory and motor challenges.
What Does an Evaluation Involve?
- Questionnaires for parents, teachers, and the child.
- Cognitive and behavioral assessments.
- Discussions about school, report card reviews, home life, and emotions.
A diagnosis does not change who your child is—it simply helps them (and you) understand how their brain works and what support they may need. It opens more understanding and can lead to learning tools and developing skills to help them thrive.
How Parents Can Support Their Neurodivergent Chil
Raising a neurodivergent teen means adapting to their needs while helping them build confidence. This does mean you are spoiling your child or giving in to their demands. This is helping to create an environment that allows your child to thrive, learn how to emotionally self regulate, and develop positive coping skills to use inside and outside of your home. Here are some key ways parents can support them:
✅ Learn About Their Strengths & Challenges – Focus on what they do well, not just where they struggle. We all do better when we focus and develop our strengths.
✅ Support Their Mental Health – Neurodivergent youth are more prone to anxiety and depression, so prioritize open conversations about emotions. Encourage your child to speak with a therapists and as a parent learn about anxiety. What triggers your youth or teen? What works best for them and what skills do they need to learn to manage anxiety?
✅ Advocate for School Accommodations – An IEP (Individualized Education Plan) can provide learning supports. School and academic life is tough without additional barriers.
✅ Respect Their Sensory Needs – Offer noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, or quiet spaces if they get overwhelmed.
✅ Encourage Special Interests – Whether it’s gaming, coding, art, or animals, their passions are a source of motivation and confidence.
✅ Teach Self-Advocacy – Help them explain their needs to teachers, friends, and future employers.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can be life-changing for neurodivergent teens and their families. Here’s how it helps:
🌟 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps with anxiety, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.
🌟 Occupational Therapy (OT) – Supports sensory processing, motor skills, and daily life tasks.
🌟 Executive Function Coaching – Teaches time management, organization, and study strategies.
Ashley who works with neurodivergent teens can help teens anxiety, emotional regulation, and self-esteem, assists with social communication challenges, and help your teen learn how to manage their time, and develop organizational and study strategies. She provides tools to help them thrive as they are.
What Neurodivergent Teens Need in a Therapist’s Office
Finding the right therapist is important! Here’s what neurodivergent youth and teens often need:
✔ A therapist who understands neurodivergence – Not all therapists have experience with autism or ADHD. Look for one who specializes in neurodivergent clients. Ashley in our Family-Therapy in Ottawa has years of experience working with neurodivergent youth and teens.
✔ Sensory-friendly spaces – Soft lighting, fidget tools, and movement-friendly seating can make therapy more comfortable.
✔ Visual supports – Some teens do better with visual schedules, written instructions, or drawing-based communication.
✔ A strengths-based approach – Therapy should highlight what they do well, not just focus on challenges.
✔ Options for virtual or in-person sessions – Some neurodivergent teens prefer online therapy for comfort and accessibility.
Ashley can offer your teen both virtual or in-person sessions here at our Ottawa Family-Therapy office. Sometimes teens switch between virtual or in-person sessions.
Raising a neurodivergent teen means embracing their unique way of thinking while helping them navigate a world that isn’t always designed for them. With understanding, advocacy, and the right support, your child can develop confidence, resilience, and the tools to thrive.
Looking for Support?
If your teen is struggling, therapy can help. Find a neurodivergent-affirming therapist who celebrates your child’s strengths and equips them with tools for success.
Book a free 20 minute consultation with Ashley and find out how she can help your youth and teen today— Family-Therapy we’re here to listen!
