Building Your Village: Why Community is Key for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

January 19, 2025•2 min read

As parents of neurodivergent kids, we’re often juggling a lot—supporting our child’s unique needs while navigating systems that don’t always understand them. It can feel isolating, overwhelming, and downright exhausting. That’s why creating a community for support and resources isn’t just comforting; it’s practical.

In this week’s episode of the Every Brain is Different podcast, Lauren and I spoke with Lynn and Jonathan Greenberg. Lynn shared her journey of advocating for her son Jonathan, who has dyslexia, and how building a supportive network was her first and most crucial step.

The Power of Community

Finding a community of parents who understand your journey is a game-changer. It’s not just about swapping tips (though that’s certainly helpful!); it’s about finding people who “get it”—people who can offer empathy, encouragement, and practical advice when you need it most.

For Lynn, connecting with other parents and professionals allowed her to discover new strategies and resources to help Jonathan thrive. Knowing she wasn’t alone gave her the strength and clarity to make decisions that were best for her family.

How to Start Building Your Network

If you’re ready to take this step, here are some simple ways to get started:

1. Join a Local or Online Group

Search for Facebook or Meetup groups in your area focused on neurodivergence, such as dyslexia, ADHD, or autism. These groups are often treasure troves of advice from parents who’ve been in your shoes.

For example, our Parenting With Confidence Facebook group is a welcoming space where parents of neurodivergent kids can connect and share resources. We’d love to see you there!

2. Ask Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s to your pediatrician, your child’s educators, or other parents, asking for help can lead to solutions you might not have considered. Some of the best advice comes from unexpected sources.

3. Build Your Network

Once you’ve found your people, keep growing that network. Community isn’t just about advice; it’s about knowing you’re not alone. Building relationships with others who share your experiences can provide the encouragement and support you need to keep going.

Want to hear more about Lynn and Jonathan’s story and how community made a difference for them? Listen to episode 77 of the Every Brain is Different podcast.

You’re Not Alone

Taking the time to connect with others can help you uncover tools and strategies you didn’t know existed. It’s a powerful reminder that you don’t have to navigate this path solo.

If you’re looking for a supportive community, I’d love to invite you to join our Neurodivergent Parenting Community. It’s a space where parents like you can connect, learn, and thrive together.

Samantha Foote

Samantha’s mission is to strengthen, guide, and empower parents, children, and adults to develop emotional awareness, improve social skills, and gain effective coping skills resulting in improved peer relationships, increased family harmony, and a calmer & more relaxed demeanor. She is a board-certified music therapist, a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a registered Music Together teacher. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and completed her Masters of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University. She is a Neurological Music Therapy Fellow and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed Music Therapist. When she is not working, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and extended family. They enjoy fishing, camping, and other outdoor adventures.

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