At some point, all parents face a challenging truth about their child(ren). Parents of children with neurodiversity face this parental rite of passage much sooner than most parents. This is not necessarily a bad thing. In some ways, it is an advantage. 

It is an advantage that you can grow closer to your child as you learn to accept and work with their strengths and differences. A deep trust and bond can be built on this journey, helping you and your child to communicate well, face down and overcome difficulties as a team, and relish the victories large and small.

You will need patience and perseverance. This will also help your child as they learn to work on things that don’t come naturally to them, i.e., the things they find difficult, challenging, and tricky. Together you build resilience. By accompanying your child through early intervention, you can build a solid foundation for managing other inevitable phases associated with challenging behaviors and growth, such as the notorious stages of adolescence and puberty.

For parents of children with neurodiversity, there is another rite of passage: speaking directly to your child about their differences or diagnoses. Ideally, this is done in a way that empowers and gives your child greater insight into who they are without diminishing their self-esteem or confidence. These are delicate conversations. Being prepared and choosing the right timing can make all the difference.