Neurodivergence has become less stigmatized in recent years. Thankfully, more people are educating themselves on what it really means to be neurodivergent — and it isn’t a negative thing.
When you have a neurodivergent child, however, there’s no denying that you might have to make adjustments in how you effectively communicate with them. If your child has something like ADHD or dyslexia or is on the autism spectrum, it’s important to find communication methods that work for both of you while strengthening your bond.
Learning the best communication techniques to connect with your neurodivergent child will foster positivity in both of your lives, enriching your relationship and helping your child learn the communication skills they need to excel independently.
With that in mind, let’s discuss some of the best practices for making communication with your neurodivergent child easier and more effective.
Educate Yourself
As the parent of a neurodivergent child, you’ve likely spent plenty of time learning about how their brain works and trying to understand how their thought processes might be different from your own.
But, that education needs to be ongoing, especially when it comes to communication. Remind yourself that there isn’t one “right” way to connect and communicate with your child. Rather, it’s about finding what works for you. Additionally, your child’s communication needs are likely to change with age. Make sure you continue to educate yourself on those needs and pay attention to those changes as they come.
Open Up to Your Child
One of the reasons neurodivergent conditions aren’t as stigmatized as they used to be is that people are openly talking about them more frequently.
Talk to your child about their condition. Explain that what makes them different also makes them special. Make sure they know there is nothing wrong with them, just that their brain works differently than others.
Keep Them Included
Don’t assume that your neurodivergent child won’t understand what you’re talking about in other conversations. Keep them involved and included when you’re talking to other family members, or friends and acquaintances out in public. While they shouldn’t feel pressured to contribute to the conversation, it’s important that they know they aren’t excluded.
It’s also important that they understand they can communicate in their own ways. They might only feel comfortable whispering or writing things down. Let them know that just because their preferred method of communication is different doesn’t make it wrong. Encouraging any kind of communication and creating a safe space for your child to express themselves can make a big difference in how comfortable they feel.
Get Others Involved
As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. That village needs to be even more tight-knit when you’re raising a neurodivergent child.
Get friends, family members, and even teachers involved as you try to foster greater communication with your child. The more bridges you can build, the better. When more people are involved in fostering healthy communication habits, it can become easier for your child to be more comfortable in social settings and expressing themselves.
Take Care of Yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. It can be challenging trying to find and develop new and effective ways of communicating. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself throughout the process.
It’s normal for parents to want to put their child’s needs ahead of their own. While that’s okay, don’t ignore your mental or physical well-being. Prioritize sleep, exercise, and try things like meditation or journaling to manage your mental health. It can also help to work with a therapist if you’re struggling with stress. The more you care for yourself, the more present you’ll be able to be with your child.
Reach out to learn more about parenting therapy.