How Does Connection Change Behavior for Autistic and ADHD Kids? | Ep. 155
Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is DifferentShow Notes
Samantha and Lauren share Samantha’s experience competing for Mrs. Idaho to encourage parents, especially those raising neurodivergent kids, not to feel guilty for doing something for themselves with the right support.
They then discuss choosing “real connection” with a child over society’s idea of “right connection,” emphasizing that behavior improves when children feel connected, safe, and understood, and that a dysregulated nervous system can’t learn or be reasoned with.
They explain how typical expectations like eye contact, loud praise, adult-led conversation, or insisting on “proper” responses can backfire, and encourage observing needs (hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, anxiety, masking) before correcting.
They suggest supporting regulation through reduced demands, co-regulation, sensory-aware environments, predictability, and joining a child’s interests, and invite listeners to a free Parenting the Child You Have online summit on March 13.
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