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Parenting our way: Understanding neurodivergence

This resource is part of Parenting our way, a collection of resources created with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and workers to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

 

Every child is unique. Neurodiversity means that not all brains work the same. These differences are natural and beautiful; they make us who we are.

But things like how your child talks, moves, plays or reacts to sounds and touch can sometimes be signs they need a bit of extra help. It might mean there is a difference in the way your child thinks and adapts – something called neurodivergence. Autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are both types of neurodivergence.

If your child is neurodivergent, it doesn’t mean something is wrong or that there is a problem to be fixed. It just means they experience the world differently. It’s about understanding, supporting and celebrating your child’s unique strengths.

In this video (33 seconds), Sheryl Batchelor talks about neuroplasticity and neurodiversity.

You can hear Sheryl talk more about brain development in Parenting our way: Growing strong minds.

 

What does neurodivergence look like?

Neurodivergence is different for every child. But this is what it can look like for some children:

Sensory challenges (sensitivity to the world around them): Loud sounds, bright lights, certain clothes or smells might bother them.
Social behaviours: They might avoid eye contact because they find it uncomfortable, not pick up on social cues, or prefer playing alone. They might feel happier having one best friend instead of lots of friends.
Communication differences: They may be late to start talking, have trouble keeping up with conversations, or get super focused on one topic. Neurodivergent children are often experts on the things they’re interested in – and they may love sharing that knowledge with others!
Repeating things: For some children, this might be doing the same action over and over. It could also mean needing routines to feel safe.
Dislike of change: Even small changes in plans or routines can be really upsetting for some neurodivergent children. Some children may also do things suddenly or unpredictably.
Big emotions: They might have strong reactions or find it harder to calm down when they’re upset.
Coordination challenges: Hands on stuff – like writing, cutting with scissors or catching a ball – might be tricky for them.
Hyperactivity: They might fidget a lot when they’re nervous or have trouble focusing.
Strong focus on interests or likes: They may find it easier to focus on things that they like or are interested in.

Watch this video (2 minutes, 10 seconds) with Lou and Bec, parents of children who are neurodivergent, as they talk about their children’s unique strengths and abilities.

These are just some of the common things that might suggest your child is neurodivergent. If you notice something that looks or feels different, you may want to talk to your doctor or community leader. They can help you with your concerns and point you in the right direction for support.

 

Supporting your child’s neurodivergence

Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of neurodivergent children is about understanding ways to celebrate your child’s unique way of thinking and being, not fixing something that is wrong.

In this video (56 seconds), Rikkiesha-Lee describes how she reached out for support to support her daughter with ADHD.

By learning about neurodivergence and what works for your child and their brain, you can support them to understand themselves better. Together, you can find ways of learning and connecting that support your child to grow and thrive.

  • If you are worried and need some extra support, your family doctor or general practitioner (GP), paediatrician or local Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisation (ACCHO) can be a good place to start.

     

    If you’re not sure about your local services or supports, you also might try you might try an online search (e.g. on Google) for ‘Aboriginal children autism support near me’, ‘Aboriginal health services near me’ or ‘parenting support near me’.

     

    You can also access this map of ACCHOs across urban, regional and remote Australia: ACCHO locations – NACCHO.

  • In this Emerging Minds Families podcast, Bec talks about her parenting journey and valuable lessons she has learned from her neurodivergent son:

     

    These resources from Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) have been created for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and communities:

     

    In this podcast series, the Positive Partnerships team yarns with parents, carers and service providers who share their stories and experiences of autism within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families:

     

    This resource provides information about what ADHD is, what it can look like, its causes, how to get diagnosed and more:

 

What’s next? Explore other Parenting our way resources:

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