Today we’re diving into one of the most tender and complex stages of parenting—launching our neurodivergent young adults into independence, or more accurately, interdependence. My guest is Penny Williams, a parenting coach for neurodiverse families and the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including Boy Without Instructions. In this episode Penny and I talk about the emotional challenges parents face during this transition, how to redefine what success and independence really look like, and why interdependence is often the goal that best supports our kids’ thriving. We also explore the healing and acceptance this stage asks of us as parents—and how, even in the uncertainty, there’s so much possibility for connection, growth, and joy.

Also, this is part one of a two-part episode — listen to the rest of the conversation on Penny’s Beautifully Complex podcast, which you will find here.

About Penny Williams

A parenting coach for neurodiverse families, Penny Williams is the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including Boy Without Instructions, producer and host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, host of the annual Neurodiversity Summits, and co-creator of The Behavior Revolution Program, a parent training program designed to change the narrative on behavior and help parents celebrate and support their kids with ADHD or autism through neuroscience-backed insights, hard-won strategies, compassion, and guidance. Penny empowers parents to help their neurodivergent kids — and families — thrive.

Things you'll learn from this episode

• How parenting neurodivergent young adults can be both deeply complex and emotionally challenging

• Why redefining success for each individual young adult is key to healthier expectations

• How healing from our own experiences allows us to better support our kid’s growth

• Why aiming for interdependence and self-determination, not independence, leads to greater emotional stability

• How launching into adulthood is often messy, nonlinear, and filled with opportunities for growth

• Why letting go of control, staying curious, and remaining open are essential during this phase of parenting

Resources mentioned

• Penny Williams’ Parenting ADHD and Autism website

• Beautifully Complex Podcast

• Part 2 of this conversation

• Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards on Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• I Will Die on This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World by Meghan Ashburn and Jules Edwards

• Dr.Dan Peters Discusses the Teen Years & Preparing for Navigating Launch (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Best Gap Year Programs for Neurodivergent Students (Thrive Autism Coaching)

• Dr Eric Endlich on Gap Programs for Neurodivergent Students (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

Gap Programs Debbie Explored

• Gap at Glen Brook

• Parzival Academy

• Pure Life Adventure Program

• SOAR

• Sequin Land Institute

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