A Parent’s Journey with Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
Every family’s neurodiversity-affirming care journey is different, and at Summit Therapy Group, we encourage families to advocate for themselves and find safe spaces to express their needs and wants. Each of their experiences with both challenges and meaningful breakthroughs often brings greater understanding, direction, and confidence in the decisions they make to find effective care.
In celebration of Neurodiversity Awareness Month, we recently asked a parent in our community to share more about their journey to finding supportive, neurodiversity-affirming care.
Their experience reflects what so many families navigate while searching for providers who truly listen, spaces where they feel seen and supported, and care that makes a meaningful difference for their entire family.
Can you share a little about your journey as a parent and what your child has taught you along the way?
"Being a mom was an ‘end goal’ for me growing up. When I met my husband, the first thing I loved about him was his desire to be a dad. Having a family was never a question for us, and being parents to our three kids is our greatest gift in life.
As special needs parents, we have grieved what we thought our family life might look like, and our entire way of living each day has shifted into a never-ending gratefulness for the very smallest of victories and the very few moments of peace. Our son Tate has taught us to be kind in ways we weren't before, to see joy differently, to never take any milestone or sense of normalcy for granted, to have strong boundaries for our family, and to love and protect each other unconditionally and fiercely!”
What does feeling supported as a caregiver look like to you, and how has having the right team impacted your family?"
“When Tate was officially diagnosed, things really started spinning quickly for us, and one of the first things I learned was to fearlessly advocate to have a supportive team for him and our family. His very first speech therapist, who has truly been a saving grace in our lives from the beginning, really lit a fire in me to want to work with others that simply loved on Tate, met us wherever we were as a family, and who would be open to working together alongside us, not for us. Feeling supported is one of the most important parts of our everyday lives, and I am grateful for the ways we are able to collaborate, learn from each other, share the load, and grow friendships. A specific way I have felt supported is by feeling no judgment when I have had to speak up about a provider not feeling right, and then having to be patient for someone that does feel right. “
Were there moments in your journey when you felt especially seen, heard, or understood? What made those moments meaningful?
“Unfortunately, I think in my personal experience, I have more often felt unseen and misunderstood. Because of this, the people in our lives that are supportive, that ebb and flow with us, and show up for us are the relationships that we do not take for granted. Some of these amazing people are his therapists.
Their positive energy, the ways they love on Tate and the ways that they listen help me feel seen and heard so often. The most meaningful moments are when we can share even the smallest of victories with anyone on his team and they fully celebrate it with us!”
“It also means quite a lot to me when someone specifically encourages me as an advocate, because it is something I feel very strongly about as a special needs mom. Their positive energy, the ways they love on Tate, and the ways that they listen help me feel seen and heard so often. The most meaningful moments are when we can share even the smallest of victories with anyone on his team, and they fully celebrate it with us! It also means quite a lot to me when someone specifically encourages me as an advocate, because it is something I feel very strongly about as a special needs mom.”
What would you want other parents beginning a similar journey to know or feel?
“Let yourself grieve. It is a true and long process that is needed. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to advocate for a supportive team. Create boundaries for yourself and your family-the unpredictability of special needs parenting does not hold space for unsupportive relationships, and that is 100% ok! Go with your gut because no one knows your kids better than you! Reach out for help when you need it and do any self-care when you can!”
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