This 10-week Parenting Skills Course is adapted specifically for parents of neurodivergent children (Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Differences, etc.). This course blends Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Parenting, and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices to help parents understand, support, and advocate for their child’s unique needs while fostering a calm, structured, and loving home environment.
Course Length: 10 Weeks
Target Audience: Parents of children with Autism, ADHD, Sensory Processing Differences, or other neurodivergent traits
Course Format: Weekly discussions, role-playing, case studies, and personalized strategies
Course Overview:
Parenting a neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges and rewards. This course equips parents with research-backed strategies to support their child’s communication, emotional regulation, sensory needs, and daily routines while strengthening the parent-child bond. Parents will learn how to navigate meltdowns, set boundaries, support executive functioning, and advocate for their child in school and social settings.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Understanding Neurodivergent Minds
- What does it mean to be neurodivergent?
- Differences in sensory processing, executive functioning, and social communication
- Strengths-based parenting – focusing on what your child CAN do
📌 Activity: Identifying your child’s strengths and sensory preferences
Week 2: Strengthening the Parent-Child Connection
- The importance of co-regulation before self-regulation
- Connecting before correcting – using relationship-based strategies
- Recognizing signs of sensory or emotional overwhelm
📌 Activity: Creating a “connection ritual” (daily bonding activity)
Week 3: Supporting Communication & Self-Expression
- Understanding speech delays, echolalia, and social communication challenges
- Using visual supports, AAC (Augmentative & Alternative Communication), and social scripts
- Teaching self-advocacy skills
📌 Activity: Practicing visual schedules and social scripts at home
Week 4: Sensory Regulation & Reducing Overwhelm
- Understanding sensory seeking vs. sensory avoiding behaviors
- Creating sensory-friendly environments at home
- Supporting self-regulation through movement, weighted items, and sensory breaks
📌 Activity: Designing a sensory toolkit for home and school
Week 5: Navigating Meltdowns vs. Tantrums
- Understanding meltdowns as neurological overload, not behavior problems
- Preventing overstimulation and shutdowns
- Using co-regulation strategies to help your child calm down
📌 Activity: Creating a “Calm Down Plan” tailored to your child
Week 6: Establishing Predictability & Routines
- The importance of structure and routine for neurodivergent kids
- Using visual schedules, timers, and first-then boards
- Helping kids with transitions and unexpected changes
📌 Activity: Building a personalized daily routine with visuals
Week 7: Positive Discipline & Teaching New Skills
- Understanding why traditional discipline doesn’t work for neurodivergent kids
- Using natural consequences, gentle guidance, and reinforcement
- Teaching replacement behaviors instead of just saying “No”
📌 Activity: Practicing gentle redirection and reinforcement techniques
Week 8: Supporting Executive Functioning & Independence
- Understanding task initiation, working memory, and impulse control challenges
- Breaking tasks into manageable steps with checklists and visuals
- Encouraging independence without overwhelm
📌 Activity: Creating a chore/task breakdown chart
Week 9: Advocacy & Navigating School & Social Settings
- Understanding IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) and 504 Plans
- How to effectively communicate with teachers and therapists
- Supporting friendships and social interactions
📌 Activity: Writing an advocacy letter for your child’s school
Week 10: Building Long-Term Resilience & Self-Care for Parents
- Managing parental stress and burnout
- Finding support networks and self-care strategies
- Celebrating your child’s progress and embracing neurodiversity
📌 Final Assignment: Creating a Personalized Parenting Plan tailored to your child’s needs
Course Benefits:
✅ Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach – respecting and supporting your child’s unique strengths
✅ Practical Tools & Strategies – visual schedules, sensory supports, communication aids
✅ Personalized Support – parents leave with an individualized parenting plan
✅ Stronger Parent-Child Bond – fostering trust, communication, and confidence