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How to Help Your Neurodivergent Tween or Teen with Test Anxiety

How to Help Your Neurodivergent Tween or Teen Manage Test Anxiety Test anxiety is a common struggle for many students, but for neurodivergent tweens and teens, it can feel overwhelming. The pressure of time constraints, unexpected questions, and the fear of failure can lead to emotional distress, sensory overload, and even shutdowns or meltdowns. As a parent, you play a crucial role in helping your child navigate test anxiety, providing them with tools and strategies that cater to their unique needs. Here’s how you can support your neurodivergent tween or teen in feeling more prepared, confident, and calm before and during tests. 1. Recognizing the Signs of Test Anxiety Test anxiety is more than just feeling nervous before an exam. It can manifest in physical,…

Autism Friendly Holidays

Creating a Peaceful and Joyful Holiday Season for Neurodivergent Families

ByKori

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The holiday season is a time for celebration, togetherness, and joy. However, for neurodivergent families, it can also bring unique challenges. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can create a peaceful and joyful holiday season that caters to everyone’s needs. Here’s how to navigate the holidays with heart, humor, and practical advice. Setting Realistic Expectations The first step to a peaceful holiday season is setting realistic expectations. Understanding and accepting your family’s limits can help reduce stress and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Embrace Flexibility Flexibility is key when planning holiday activities. Be prepared to adjust plans based on how everyone is feeling. If a particular event or activity becomes overwhelming, it’s okay to change or skip it altogether. Prioritize Important…

Autism Family Life

How to Differentiate Between ADHD Emotional Dysregulation and Tween or Teen Moodiness

ByKori

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Parenting a tween or teen is already a rollercoaster, but when your child is neurodivergent—especially with ADHD—the emotional highs and lows can be even more intense. How do you tell the difference between “normal” tween moodiness and ADHD emotional dysregulation? This guide will help you recognize key differences, provide practical strategies, and support your child through big emotions in a neurodivergent-friendly way. 1. ADHD Emotional Dysregulation vs. Typical Tween/Teen Moodiness 🔹 Typical Tween/Teen Mood Swings: ✔ Caused by hormonal changes and social pressures ✔ Mood changes are situational and temporary ✔ Can usually calm down with time or distraction ✔ May not always express feelings openly 🔹 ADHD Emotional Dysregulation: ✔ Intense, overwhelming emotional reactions to small triggers ✔ Difficulty recovering from emotions (lingers longer…

Home Management Tips

Calming the Mind with Home Organization

ByKori

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A cluttered home can sometimes lead to an untidy mind. When you live in a disorganized space, it can create an overwhelming feeling of stress and make it difficult to relax. Having a well-organized home promotes a sense of calm and order. Taking the time to declutter and organize your home can transform your living environment, turning it into a space that nurtures your well-being. Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/stack-of-towels-on-rack-271711/ Let’s look at some ways you can calm your mind through home organization. Start with Decluttering The first step that you need to take is to get rid of any items that you no longer need. They not only take up physical space in your home, but they also weigh on your mental state. Go through…

Self Discovery and Acceptance

Sneaking in Self-Care as a Neurodivergent Mom During the Busyness of the Holiday Season

ByKori

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The holiday season is a whirlwind of activities, responsibilities, and social gatherings. For neurodivergent moms, this time of year can be particularly overwhelming. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain your well-being and enjoy the festivities. Here are some practical and heartfelt strategies to sneak in self-care during the holiday season. Prioritize and Plan As a neurodivergent mom, having a plan can help manage the chaos of the holidays. Take some time to list your priorities and create a schedule that includes self-care. Create a Realistic Schedule Plan your days to include not only holiday activities but also moments of self-care. Block out specific times for breaks, relaxation, and activities that bring you joy. A well-structured plan can help reduce…

Autism Friendly Holidays

Preparing for a Sensory-Friendly Holiday Season

ByKori

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for those with sensory sensitivities, it can also be overwhelming. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can create a sensory-friendly environment that allows everyone to enjoy the festivities. Here’s how to prepare for a sensory-friendly holiday season that’s enjoyable for all. Creating a Comfortable Environment The first step in preparing for a sensory-friendly holiday season is to create a comfortable environment at home. This includes considering lighting, decorations, and overall ambiance. Lighting Adjustments Bright and flashing lights can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Opt for softer, warm lighting options such as LED candles or string lights. Dimmer switches can also help you adjust the brightness according to comfort levels….