Parent Support

Parenting a neurodiverse, young adult is about embracing their unique journey and celebrating every step forward, knowing that progress comes in many forms!

Parents frequently express feeling unprepared to sift through the abundance of resources and information accessible online, from practitioners, therapists, and other sources. While much of the available information outlines the "main characteristics" of neurodiverse individuals, unlike their neurotypical counterparts, they defy clear categorization and typical descriptions. Therefore, it's unlikely to discover a "perfect" depiction for your loved one. When I hear this, I am reminded of a quote by Dr. Stephen Shore:

Dr. Stephen Shore said:

“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.”

Dr. Shore’s quote emphasizes individuality and diversity within the autism spectrum. Autism manifests differently in every individual, so the experiences, challenges, and strengths of one person with autism are not representative of everyone with the condition. This quote urges us to acknowledge and respect each person's unique traits and needs rather than assuming a uniform set of characteristics based on their diagnosis.

Parent resources for neurodiversity can be beneficial for parents of children with autism, but it's important to recognize that while there may be overlap, the needs and experiences of individuals with autism can vary widely. Neurodiversity encompasses a range of neurological differences beyond autism, including ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, etc.

Our "Parent Support" page aims to save you time by offering a curated selection of media that we have personally reviewed and use to support our own families. These resources complement the work we do at NPYA. When combined with other forms of support, such as parent coaching, they enhance navigation and foster a sense of confidence and preparedness. If you have any questions or need further guidance and support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly!

Parent Coaching

Suggested Reading

Digital Resources