Description
Navigating your child’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming – whether you’re trying to figure out how to support them or how to help others understand their unique needs. A Child’s Diagnosis: A Mum’s Guide to Support and Helping Others ‘Get It’ is here to clear away the confusion with real, practical advice that’s easy to follow. It’s written specifically for mums who want to confidently support their neurodivergent children and make sure those around them really get it – from family members to teachers.
Please note this guide is mainly for a dual diagnosis of Autism and ADHD. It is not a ADHD specific guide. I am in the process of separating this guide into one specifically for Autism and one specifically for ADHD.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
- Understanding Brains and Misconceptions About Autism: Learn about different brain types and common misconceptions about autism. I break down the social skills often misunderstood in neurodivergent kids, how sensory processing and emotional responses can differ, and the real harm that comes from trying to suppress Autistic or ADHD traits.
- Functioning Labels: Why They Miss the Mark: Explore why labels like ‘high-functioning’ or ‘low-functioning’ don’t tell the whole story. Plus, you might even discover some neurodivergent traits in yourself!
- How to Support a Neurodivergent Child: Get clear advice on what not to say, the types of support that don’t work, and how to interpret your child’s behaviour in a way that helps both of you. This section is packed with practical tips for helping your child feel seen and supported.
- Why Autistic Individuals Mask Their Behaviour: Learn why neurodivergent children often hide their true selves to fit in and how masking affects their well-being. This section gives you tools to help your child feel safe enough to be themselves.
- Managing Stress with Energy Accounting: Discover how to manage your own stress levels (and your child’s) by balancing energy-draining and energy-replenishing activities – so you can avoid burnout and feel more in control.
- Helping Neurodivergent Kids Learn Better: Get insights into why traditional learning methods might not work for your child, and explore what really helps them thrive in a learning environment that respects their unique way of processing information.
- Understanding Ableism: Find out what ableism is and how it affects society’s view of neurodivergent people. This section empowers you to advocate for a more inclusive world where your child can thrive.
- Plus more.
Why I Made This Guide:
Let’s be real: Most resources about raising a neurodivergent child feel like they’re written by people who’ve never lived through it themselves. I’m tired of that. We deserve guides that actually get us – that understand the real-life struggles we face and give us the practical tools we need to support our kids, without the fluff. This guide isn’t full of clinical jargon or unrealistic advice – it’s written for mums like us who are living it every day.
Final Thoughts:
I created this guide to support you, not overwhelm you. Your feedback means everything to me, so please reach out if something feels unclear or if you have ideas on how to make it even better. My goal is for you to walk away from this guide feeling validated, empowered, and ready to advocate for your child.
Download now and start your journey with confidence. Let’s do this together – because your child deserves to be understood, and you deserve to feel supported every step of the way.
Jane xx
FAQ
I already know my child. I just don’t know how to explain it to other people - will this actually help?
Yes. This isn’t a reframe of what you already know – it’s a way to say it. The guide gives you language, stories, and examples that you can use with family, teachers, or anyone else who just doesn’t get it yet. It’s not about proving anything. It’s about backing yourself with the words that don’t always come when you’re put on the spot.
I’m already doing everything I can - is this just going to make me feel like I should be doing more?
No. If anything, I hope it helps you do less. It’s written by me, someone who’s done the over-functioning, the burnout, the late-night spirals. You won’t find any ‘shoulds’ here. Just the kind of clarity that makes it easier to stop second-guessing and start protecting your own energy too.
What if I’m not ready to talk to family or school yet?
Then don’t. This guide isn’t about pushing you to disclose anything before you’re ready. It’s about having something solid in your corner when you do decide to have those conversations. Until then, it can just be something that helps you feel less alone in your own head.
What if this hits too close to home and brings up stuff about my own childhood or identity?
That’s okay. There’s space for that here too. You don’t need to have it all figured out – and you definitely don’t need to rush to label yourself. If parts of this feel familiar, let them. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It just means you’ve probably been holding a lot for a long time.
Will I get the updated versions if more is added?
Yes – always. If I add new chapters or update anything, you’ll automatically get the latest version. You won’t need to ask. It’s part of making sure this stays useful long after you first download it.
And if it’s not helpful?
Just email me. I don’t take it personally. I only want this to be something that lightens your load – not something that adds to it. But I will say: for most mums who’ve read it, the biggest reaction has been relief. As in, “Finally… someone said it.”