Have you ever wondered why your child sees and interacts with the world differently? Maybe they learn at a different pace than their peers or they struggle in social situations that seem easy for others. You might even notice a heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, or textures. 

As parents, it’s important to understand that every child is unique, and that’s what makes them so special. But sometimes, these differences can be more pronounced. This is where the concept of neurodiversity comes in.

Neurotypical vs. Neurodivergent

Think of it like this: Most people have brains that function in a similar way — one that’s considered “typical”. Their brains process information, learn, and interact with the world in a way that society often expects.

Neurodiversity simply means there’s a natural variation in how brains work. Just like a fingerprint, no two are alike! Some brains function in ways that differ from this “typical” pattern. These are the neurodivergent brains. This doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your brain; it simply means it works a lot differently than most. There’s a wide range of neurodiversity, and it can include conditions like:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Dyslexia
• Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)

However, neurodiversity isn’t limited to diagnoses. Even children without a diagnosis might have unique learning styles or sensitivities that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella.

What does this mean for your child?

If your child is neurodivergent, their brain might be wired differently. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong that should cause great concern, it only means they’ll process, learn, and interact differently than neurotypical children. Here’s how this might manifest:

Learning

• Focus – a neurodivergent child may find it distracting to study in a traditional classroom environment where there are a lot of stimuli. They learn best in a quieter space with fewer distractions.
• Learning styles – Neurodivergents may also have a strong preference for a specific learning style. For example, a child with dyslexia might struggle with traditional reading methods and so will prefer audiobooks or visual tools.

Social Interaction

• Social cues – Understanding body language and facial expressions can be challenging. They might misinterpret sarcasm or miss subtle social cues that neurotypicals pick up on easily.
• Verbal Expression – Expressing themselves verbally can be difficult for some children. They might struggle to find the right words or get their thoughts across clearly.

Sensory Processing

• Sensitivity – Some sights, sounds, textures, tastes, or smells can be overwhelming for kids who are neurodivergent. Loud noises might be startling, bright lights uncomfortable, or certain clothing textures irritating.

Behavior

• Fidgeting – Restlessness or fidgeting can be a way for kids who are neurodivergent to manage their energy or focus. They want to have movement breaks or fidget toys to help them stay engaged.
• Routines – Repetitive movements or routines can be comforting and provide a sense of predictability for some kids who are neurodivergent.

How to help your child

Remember, neurodiversity is a spectrum, not a label.

Every child is unique, and some will have more pronounced differences in how their brain works than others. By identifying their needs and building a supportive environment, you can help them grow into the confident, brilliant individuals they were meant to be.

Ready to unlock your child’s neurodiverse potential? Empirian is here to help! Explore our resources and connect with us to find out how we can help your child thrive!