The holiday season, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s, offers opportunities for joy and connection, but can be overwhelming for neurodivergent children. Sensory challenges, changes in routine, and social expectations can make these festivities stressful. As a parent, your support and understanding can help your autistic or ADHD child feel more comfortable and engaged. By adapting traditions and focusing on their unique needs, you can create a holiday experience that is both meaningful and manageable. Here’s how to help your autistic or ADHD child thrive during the holidays while honoring their unique needs.

Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), also referred to as Pervasive Drive for Autonomy, is a behavioral profile often associated with autistic children, though it can appear in individuals with other neurodivergence. PDA is characterized by an extreme need to avoid everyday demands, often due to the overwhelming fear of losing autonomy. While PDA is not officially recognized as a standalone diagnosis in the U.S., parents frequently seek evaluations to determine whether their child's behavior fits this profile. In the U.K., PDA is considered a profile of autism, but from my clinical experience, I’ve seen that PDA traits also manifest in children who are not autistic.

Parents play a pivotal role in their child's academic journey, especially when the child is neurodivergent. Children with ADHD often exhibit remarkable creativity, energy, and the ability to think outside the box. These strengths, when harnessed effectively, can lead to academic success and a fulfilling educational experience. Here are some strategies parents can use at home to support their children with ADHD in a way that affirms their neurodiversity and promotes academic achievement.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a significant number of children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 6.1 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. This disorder can impact a child’s ability to concentrate, pay attention, and control impulsive behaviors. In this blog post, we will discuss what ADHD is, its symptoms, causes, and treatment options for children.