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The Emotional Reality of Raising Neurodivergent Kids: Guilt, Grief & Resilience in Autism Parenting with Leona Smith
Manage episode 514593045 series 3608004
What happens when parenting looks completely different from what you imagined?
From unexpected autism diagnoses to “everyday grief” and learning to let go of old expectations, raising neurodivergent children is a journey filled with both heartbreak and deep joy. If you’ve ever felt torn between parenting neurodivergent and neurotypical children, this conversation will feel like a warm hug and a deep exhale.
In this heartfelt episode, Greer sits down with Leona, a mum raising a non-verbal autistic son with a learning disability and a neurotypical daughter. Together, they unpack the emotional reality of raising neurodivergent kids—the guilt, the grief, the resilience, and the surprising moments of joy that surface along the way.
Leona shares her story with raw honesty, offering encouragement and practical wisdom for parents in the early stages of diagnosis and beyond. This episode is for every parent navigating the complex emotions that come with autism parenting and neurodivergent family life.
In This Episode, We Talk About:
Navigating two very different parenting experiences (neurodivergent + neurotypical siblings)
The emotional waves of grief, guilt, and letting go of expectations
Advocating in public spaces during meltdowns
Building resilience over time and finding your community
The power of small moments of solidarity between parents
Topics Discussed:
Autism parenting and diagnosis journeys
Non-verbal autism and learning disabilities
“Everyday grief” for parents of neurodivergent children
Parenting neurodivergent and neurotypical siblings
Emotional resilience for SEN parents
Public meltdowns and advocacy phrases
Potty training and developmental differences
Finding community and letting go of “the norm”
Key Takeaways:
Grief doesn’t end at diagnosis — it appears in small, everyday moments. Acknowledging it without letting it consume you is key.
Your child’s experience isn’t always your grief. They can thrive on their own terms.
Parenting neurodivergent children means redefining family experiences, and that’s okay.
Advocating in public gets easier with time. Pre-prepared phrases help you respond calmly in stressful moments.
You’re not alone. A kind nod, shared glance, or moment of solidarity between parents can make a world of difference.
LINKS:
Join the Unfinished Community WhatsApp. Where you can share your everyday joys, struggles, and differences! Click here to join.
Sign up to our newsletter where we continue the conversation along with sharing helpful resources and techniques tried out by parents and professionals in the neurodiverse world.
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