Understanding Neurodiversity: Lessons for Parents and Families

Neurodiversity is a word many of us had never heard until recent years — yet today, it’s part of everyday conversations in families around the world. For me, the topic recently became personal when my niece was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism at 14 years old. Like many, I had thought of certain behaviours as a lack of boundaries and often times bad manners. But meeting and speaking with Jenni Glad, an ADHA/ND coach and hypnotherapist who identifies as neurodivergent herself, opened my eyes to what life looks like through a different lens.

Jenni describes herself as an “ADHD-er,” choosing not to say she has ADHD but rather that it’s part of who she is. Diagnosed later in life — a common story, especially among women apparently— Jenni recalls excelling at school until the demands grew, and then watching things unravel without the support she needed. Looking back, she sees how ADHD shaped her adventurous spirit, impulsive choices, and career path that eventually led her to coaching and hypnotherapy.

But it hasn’t all been easy. Neurodivergence often brings challenges in relationships, finances, and self-esteem. That’s why, she explains, coaching can be life-changing: it helps people build routines, develop tools for focus, and learn how they work best in a world not always designed for different brain wiring.

What does neurodiversity really mean?

Neurodiversity is about the natural variations in the human brain. Jenni explains that neurodiverse refers to a group of people, while neurodivergent describes an individual. For those with ADHD, differences often appear in executive functioning — skills like organization, planning, and time management.

What seems simple for one person — say, booking an appointment — can feel almost impossible on some days, while on other days it’s no problem. That paradox is a hallmark of ADHD, and it can be frustrating for both the person and their family. Add to that the emotional intensity many neurodivergent people experience — mood swings, anxiety, depression — and it becomes clearer why support is so vital.

Why the sharp rise in diagnoses?

Modern life plays a big role. Children are exposed to screens and devices earlier than ever, with constant notifications competing for attention. “Screens overstimulate the brain, contribute to anxiety, and make focus harder,” Jenni explains. And while awareness and better diagnostic tools account for part of the rise, the demands of today’s world also mean more children struggle to cope.

The good news is that recognition is growing, and with it comes a chance for more holistic approaches that look beyond medication — incorporating lifestyle, environment, and practical strategies.

Adolescence and ADHD

Adolescence is already a stormy sea, but for neurodivergent teens it can feel like a tsunami. Hormones, especially in girls, most often intensify symptoms around puberty and continue to play a role throughout life. According to research these conditions can often present differently in boys and girls – with boys more likely to receive a diagnosis during childhood where hyperactivity is more common, while girls may be diagnosed later or not at all, since autistic girls and women may mask their signs of autism. This delay in diagnosis can lead to a lack of early support and intervention.

Jenni continued “Many ADHD-ers struggle with low self-esteem and confidence, because from a young age they’ve often received feedback that they’re doing things wrong, not meeting expectations, or not fitting in. For example, school subjects like math or complex verbal tasks can feel especially difficult, and when that struggle is misunderstood, kids may be labeled as “not smart” — which isn’t true at all, but that repeated feedback can deeply affect how they see themselves.

Anxiety, depression, and emotional ups and downs are also common. Doubting themselves and not feeling “good enough” can become a repeating cycle.

Socially, friendships can also be hard to maintain. Neurodivergent kids may face challenges with social skills, communication styles, or simply finding peers who understand them. This can make building supportive and reliable friendships more difficult.

So while every young person’s experience is unique, the themes I most often hear about include self-esteem struggles, emotional regulation, academic challenges, and difficulties with friendships and social belonging.”

Parents may notice their teenagers retreating to their rooms, headphones on, lost in games or scrolling endlessly. For neurodivergent children, hyperfocus means they can become completely absorbed, often unaware of time passing. Without careful guidance, blue screen overstimulation can tip into stress, anxiety and even depression.

Many parents are left feeling lost. They don’t know how to help their children, or even fully understand what’s going on. The good news is that awareness is growing, but we still need more education and more emphasis on lifestyle, environment, and practical strategies alongside any medical support.

Jenni stresses that connection is key. Children need to feel seen, heard, and loved — not just corrected. “Guidance works best when built on a foundation of connection,” she says. Routines, timers, and accountability help, but what matters most is that kids feel understood and included in healthy social interactions.

What can parents and families do at home?

Jenni shares a wealth of practical advice for families:

• Create predictable routines and healthy boundaries that make life less overwhelming.
• Use visual tools — schedules, drawings, reminders — to prepare kids for what’s coming.
• Prepare for transitions like leaving the playground or starting homework.
• Communicate clearly and check for understanding, combining words with visuals when possible.
• Less screen time – research shows that excessive screen use isn’t good for anyone’s brain! Create boundaries, timelines and work together to create other alternatives for recreation.
• Support emotional regulation with mindfulness, grounding, or physical activity.
• Encourage interests and strengths to build confidence while gently teaching resilience.
• Celebrate small wins daily to nurture self-worth.
• Model calmness — children learn regulation from regulated parents.
• Connect daily, even briefly, to strengthen bonds.

These techniques are valuable for all children, but for neurodivergent kids, they can make the difference between feeling misunderstood and feeling empowered.

Coaching and hypnotherapy: A way forward

For many, coaching provides the structure and accountability that ADHD brains crave, while hypnotherapy works on deeper beliefs and emotional blocks. Together, they help both children and adults release the story that “something is wrong with me” and replace it with a more empowering narrative.

A message of hope

Perhaps Jenni’s most powerful message is one of hope — for both parents and young people. “Remind your child every day that they are unique, wonderful, and more than enough as they are. They matter. They’re important.”

Neurodiversity runs in families, and sometimes a child’s diagnosis leads parents to recognize their own ADHD for the first time. That, Jenni believes, can be a gift — opening the door for the whole family to learn and grow together.

For me, hearing Jenni’s perspective has been insightful. What I once thought of as poor behaviour or lack of discipline, I now understand as something deeper — a different way of experiencing the world. As my brother’s family navigates their own journey with ADHD, I’ve come to see that compassion, education, and patience are equally as important as boundaries and routines. Above all, connection is what matters most.

We may still be at the early stages of truly understanding neurodiversity, but one thing is clear: with awareness, greater education, compassion, and the right support, families can thrive.

To learn more, visit jenniglad.com