top 6 things to do if you suspect your child may be neurodivergent.

As a child psychologist here are my top 6 things I would do for a child with possible neurodivergence:

1.     Seek support from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychologist.

2.     Validate my child’s feelings and what is going on for them, whether it is worry, big emotions, frustration and anger or feeling overwhelmed.

3.     Ask my child what might support them to feel better. What do they need? Their opinion matters.

4.     Review their personal physical environment at home including their bedroom and any main rooms they utilise. What are the sensory sensations that are overwhelming or not supportive, such as clutter, lighting, decorative items and bed placement.

5.     Begin to identify the triggers for the child’s big emotions – end of the day, tiredness, hunger, anxiety and stress, friendship, and school work.

6. Implement routines, consistency, structure and predictability.