Navigating the World of Neurodiversity: A Call for Compassionate Support
- thefarmingmother
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
As we take the first steps on our parenting journey, a delightful mix of joy and anxiety often accompanies the arrival of our little ones. However, a stark reality hits when we open the baby maternity pack provided at our initial midwife appointment. Among the various resources, critical discussions surrounding conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, PICA, PDA, Tics, OCD, and Global Development Delay are glaringly absent. With so many children facing these challenges, how can we expect parents to understand how best to support their children or what resources are available in terms of health, well-being, and education?
Imagine being a first-time parent, unfamiliar with neurodiversity, and receiving milestone emails that your child seems to be struggling to meet. The questions emerge relentlessly: What is wrong? What am I doing wrong? How do I compare my child to siblings or peers? The anxiety can become overwhelming, leading to late night Googling in search of answers or reassurance.
Consider the emotional turmoil for a parent who has yet to experience neurodiversity. They may find it challenging to comprehend their child's unique needs while watching other children achieve milestones effortlessly. The uncertainty about where to turn for guidance can be isolating. Questions about whether their child needs support or if they are providing sufficient help linger in their minds.
As they embark on the often-daunting journey of navigating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the comparison with other parents can weigh heavily. Remarks about how "advanced" others' children are or how well they are performing can lead to feelings of inadequacy and heartache. The struggle is compounded when faced with the stark reality of a lengthy report outlining how their child is not meeting developmental expectations, this can be a crushing blow.
This week has seen me taking that blow too after receiving an I depth report from mads OT assessment stating her needs are on the server scale. Seeing it in black and white makes it hit a little harder and can really make parent feel uncomfortable with so many emotions flooding through all though we deal with this every day seeing it in black and white makes the reality of what we navigate and juggle daily hit home.
A family member was boosting about how well a child was doing and how “advanced x was and that they could do x y z” they didn’t mean to upset me but when your navigating this journey and people don’t truly understand the impact sometimes there well meaning comments can really hit hard. That feeling of loss that your child hasn’t yet said mummy or asked you to join in their games.
These feelings of confusion, anxiety, and despair over the lack of information and support are all too familiar for many parents. However, with the right support and resources, we can create a more understanding and inclusive environment that fosters connection and guidance.
This is why the Roots of Advocacy programme ran by the farming mother is committed to being that vital support system for families. Our goal is to advocate for greater awareness of neurodiversity and to provide a safe space for parents to share their experiences and seek advice. We understand that every child's journey is unique, and by coming together, we can help parents access the support they need and deserve.
It's time to break the silence surrounding neurodiversity and create a community where every child is embraced for their individuality. Let’s work together to ensure that no parent feels alone on this journey. Together, we can expand the network of support, empower families, and promote understanding of the diverse needs of children.
Let’s help more families gain the guidance and understanding they deserve. Together, we can make a profound difference.
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