Neurodivergent Children and Child Arrangements: What Parents Should Consider

Neurodivergent children might experience heightened stress during parental separation.

But there are ways to make this transition smoother and more sensitive to their needs.

1. Consistent routines
2. Clear communication
3. Patience
4. Additional support

Consistent Routines:

Neurodivergent children rely heavily on a predictable routine.

Co-parenting neurodivergent children should maintain consistent routine throughout time at either parent’s house.

For example:

• Bedtime
• Meals
• Schoolwork
• Downtime
• Visual schedules

Clear Communication:

Neurodivergent children thrive on predictability so it’s important to:

• Check in and coordinate with the other parent
• Address issues collaboratively 
• Create predictable environments
• Be flexibility and adaptable 
• Try to maintain a strong co-parent relationship
• Mediation can be a useful tool to maintain a healthy and civil relationship with a co-parent
• Encourage open dialogue and clear communication

Patience:

Neurodivergent children may struggle with emotional regulation. Staying patient is especially important throughout parental separation.

• Be patient, it may seem that your child is acting out or lying as a result of this separation.

On top of a difficult relationship trying to co-parent with your ex, you may feel overwhelmed. It’s key to remember that children are sensitive to their parents’ emotions so try to remain calm. 

• With a child with ADHD, misbehaving during parental separation is to be expected
• Be extra loving and attentive during this time

During separation children can feel neglected. Parents of neurodivergent children should pay extra attention to understand the child’s needs. 

• Sometimes neurodivergent children find it difficult to communicate their emotions

Emotional Support:

Your child might struggle with distress during this time.

• Therapy, Guidance or Counselling –

Give your child somebody to speak to. It might be easier for them to speak to somebody other than their parents about their challenges. This way your child can feel supported inside and outside of the home. Especially for children with ADHD as they can feel increased anxiety and fear of separation.

• Providing them with therapy can help to emotionally regulate and reassure them.
• Emotional wellbeing is crucial and can affect performance in school and socially.

• Offers emotional support and advice
• Somebody to speak to outside of the family can help
• A professional who is trained to help your child in this situation
• Weight off of your shoulders
• An emotional outlet for your child, guidance and stress relief

How can we help?

Contact us today at 0333 344 6302 to arrange an initial meeting. Offices in Henley-On-Thames, Beaconsfield, Marlow and London.

Blanchards Law is a highly experienced family law firm, and we offer a nationally leading mediation service. We are recognised for our leading family law services in the Legal 500 and the Spears 500.