A Day in the Life: A Neurodivergent Family


Life in our household is anything but typical, especially as a neurodivergent mother raising neurodivergent children. Although Kathryn and Aiden are no longer homeschooled, I still find myself constantly adapting and learning how to support each of my kids' unique needs and experiences, which is anything but easy. My own challenges with autism and ADHD shape how I navigate parenting, bringing a blend of empathy, creativity, and resilience to each day along with a blend of emotions and a mix of unpredictability/routine. 


Parenting through this lens means creating a space where all of us can thrive in our own ways, finding a rhythm that works amidst the unpredictability of our lives. With Clara’s experiences of PTSD and severe anxiety following numerous surgeries, Mary’s journey with juvenile arthritis and anxiety disorders, Kathryn’s high-functioning autism combined with ADHD and sensory processing disorder, and Aiden’s genius-level intellect coupled with ADHD and sensory processing challenges, our home is a tapestry of diverse needs and strengths.


For me, being a neurodivergent mother involves embracing flexibility, patience, and a willingness to think outside the box. Traditional parenting methods often don’t fit, so I’ve learned to create routines that provide structure without rigidity. Every day is a balance of managing my own needs while supporting my family in ways that honor their individuality. It can be exhausting and overwhelming, but it's also deeply fulfilling.


Our days are filled with moments of connection/arguing, growth/lectures, and most days we deal with an abundance of frustration, but each challenge we face together only strengthens our bond. There are times when I feel overwhelmed by the weight of it all, and after lots of time alone to reflect, I try to remember that I am uniquely equipped to understand and empathize with my children’s experiences because of my own neurodivergence.


Parenting neurodivergent children has taught me to appreciate the small victories—whether it's Clara finding joy in a calm moment, Mary pushing through a tough day, Kathryn channeling her creativity into something new, or Aiden lighting up with curiosity over a new discovery. These moments remind me why all the effort is worth it.


The journey isn’t always easy, I feel overwhelmed quite often, but it is ours, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children means seeing the world through a different lens—one that’s filled with unexpected challenges and joys. It's about celebrating every small win and finding beauty in the chaos. 


What about you? How do you manage the daily challenges and celebrate the victories in your family? I'd love to hear your stories and strategies in the comments below!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When the Bear Isn’t the Only Threat

Image
  People love to talk about how men are the problem. How they’re the predators, the aggressors, the ones to fear. And sometimes, yes—they are. But I’ve learned something else in the past two years that no one really talks about. Women can be just as cruel. Not in the same overtly violent, physically intimidating ways—but in words. In manipulation. In shame. In whispers, screenshots, comment threads, and anonymous DMs that slice deeper than any blade could. Since being on the show, I’ve been sent messages so vile they could rot your soul. People—mostly women—have told me in graphic detail how I should unalive myself, and why. Why? Because I’m  disgusting. Because I’m fat. Because I have the audacity to exist in a body that they think shouldn’t be seen, let alone celebrated. There are entire communities— groups of people who gather and bond over the belief that fat people don’t deserve to live. And if we dare to exist anyway? They demand that we do so while hating ourselves. The...
Read more

Why Your Body Has Felt Like It’s Fighting You (And Why It’s Not Your Fault)

Image
  Healing starts when we stop punishing our bodies and start listening to them. This isn’t about shrinking ourselves—it’s about showing up for ourselves with love, honesty, and intention. For most of us, we’ve spent decades being told it’s all about “calories in, calories out.” Do this fad diet or that one.  We’ve been told that if we’re overweight, exhausted, anxious, or struggling—it must be because we’re lazy. Undisciplined. Not trying hard enough. But that’s not the truth. What’s really going on is so much more complex—and deeply human. Our bodies are made up of  interconnected systems , and when even one part falls out of balance, the whole system can start to feel like it’s working against us. Let me show you how everything is tied together. 🧬  The Web That Connects It All 1. Hormones Are the Boss — Especially for Women Hormonal shifts happen throughout a woman’s life, and they can impact everything—especially when it comes to: • PCOS • Perimenopause ...
Read more

The Truth About the 1950s Housewife

Image
  I saw a post today where a homesteading woman said, “A woman’s place is in the home.” This is what came to mind: What Do You Picture When You Think of Women in the 1950s? Do you picture the cinched waists, perfect curls, and shiny kitchen floors? Do you see the sweet housewife smiling with a roast in the oven, kids clean and quiet, and dinner on the table at six? Do you imagine peace, simplicity, and structure—when things  made sense  and everyone knew their role? It’s okay if you do. A lot of us do. Because let’s be honest—many of us are so tired from the chaos of modern life, we find ourselves romanticizing that era. We say things like: “I wish I could just stay home, raise my babies, tend my garden, and keep a clean house.” But the truth is, for most women today, that dream is financially impossible. One income isn’t enough. The cost of living is through the roof. So we scroll past these vintage-inspired posts online, aching for a life that’s out of reach. But here’s...
Read more