As parents, recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of neurodivergent children can unlock incredible potential. Neurodiversity—embracing the natural variations in human cognition, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and more—is not about deficits but differences that enrich their lives and the world.
By understanding these strengths and fostering supportive environments, you can empower your child to possess their full potential.
The Remarkable Strengths of Neurodivergent Children
Neurodivergent traits are often misunderstood, but they embody a wealth of abilities that challenge the status quo. From innovative solutions to unparalleled attention to detail, these strengths enrich the lives of neurodivergent individuals and those around them.
- Diverse Perspectives and Innovation
Neurodivergent children see the world through a unique lens. Their unconventional thinking and unique perspectives allows them to approach challenges in fresh, creative ways. Whether solving puzzles, reimagining group play, or designing an imaginative art project, their perspectives can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs.
- Creativity and Outside-the-Box Thinking
The neurodivergent brain excels at thinking beyond traditional norms. Many neurodivergent children naturally excel in creative expression, from storytelling and music to art and imaginative play. Their ability to think beyond is a gift that grows with encouragement, enabling them to bring originality and brilliance to whatever they pursue.
- Attention to Detail and Pattern Recognition
Some neurodivergent children have an exceptional eye for detail and a knack for spotting patterns others might overlook. These abilities often shine in areas like math, science, music, or even visual puzzles, where precision and insight are vital.
Neurodivergent individuals often exhibit exceptional problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail. Their ability to think outside the box can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions in various fields, including science, technology, engineering, and the arts (Asbell-Clarke, 2023).
- Deep Focus and Engagement
When a neurodivergent child finds their passion, their focus can be extraordinary. This deep immersion—sometimes called hyperfocus—enables them to master subjects or activities with remarkable depth and dedication.
- Logical and Analytical Thinking
Neurodivergent children often excel at logical reasoning and analytical problem-solving. This can make them stand out in strategy games, building intricate designs, or tackling complex puzzles with ease and creativity.
- Exceptional Memory
Many neurodivergent children have an incredible and unique ability to retain and recall information. Their passion for specific topics—like dinosaurs, space, or their favorite books—can lead to a deep, encyclopedic knowledge that amazes and inspires.
- Empathy and A Strong Sense of Fairness
Neurodivergent children are resilient and often have an innate sense of fairness and a strong moral compass. This can translate into advocating for peers, fostering inclusion, and showing a compassionate heart in unexpected and meaningful ways.
The Importance of a Well-Regulated Nervous System
A child’s nervous system acts as the control center for their emotions, behavior, and responses to the world around them. When their nervous system is well-regulated, they are better equipped to process sensory input, manage stress, and navigate challenges, allowing their unique strengths to shine.
Dysregulation—commonly triggered by sensory overload, stress, anxiety, or unmet needs—can lead to emotional outbursts, meltdowns, or withdrawal, making it harder for children to access their neurodiversity strengths and abilities.
Why Nervous System Regulation Matters
- Emotional Balance
When a child’s nervous system is regulated, they can better manage emotions such as frustration, fear, or excitement. This emotional balance allows them to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively, fostering stronger relationships with peers and caregivers.
A friend of mine once accompanied her daughter, Anna, a sweet 6 year old, to a classroom function. With kids running around, excited to have their parents over, she noticed Anna slowly getting into a tantrum and couldn’t understand why as she was only paying attention to her toys.
I told her the loud noises and unfamiliar sound patterns could have overwhelmed her, a common experience amongst neurodiverse children. So, the next time they attended an event, she brought with her some headphones, let Anna wear them when things started to get chaotic, and every time, Anna would be able to calm down easily.
- Cognitive Function
A dysregulated nervous system can impair a child’s ability to focus, learn, and problem-solve. Self-regulation helps them access higher-order cognitive skills, such as reasoning, memory, and creativity, which are crucial for academic and personal growth.
Studies show that stress and dysregulation reduce activity in the prefrontal cortex, which governs executive functioning skills such as decision-making and attention. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2020)
- Physical Health
Chronic dysregulation can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue, further hindering your child’s ability to engage fully in activities. By promoting regulation, you support not only their mental health but also their physical well-being.
- Social Interaction
Children with a regulated nervous system are more likely to engage positively with others. They can interpret social cues, communicate effectively, and participate in group activities without becoming overwhelmed.
How to Hone Your Child’s Neurodiversity Strengths
Embracing neurodiversity means celebrating the strengths of your neurodivergent child. However, celebrating strengths is only the first step; the environment you create for your child plays a critical role helping them regulate their nervous system and emotions, and in the long run, help them achieve success. Apart from engaging in professionally-guided therapies, here’s how to support their journey:
- Sensory Tools and Strategies
- Create sensory-friendly spaces at home and school with calming items such as weighted blankets, soft lighting, or tactile toys.
- Introduce sensory breaks during the day to help children reset, especially in overstimulating environments.
- Predictable Routines
- Establish consistent daily routines to create a sense of security. Use visual schedules or timers to prepare children for transitions.
- Provide clear expectations for new activities, helping to reduce uncertainty.
- Mindful Practices
- Activities like kid’s yoga, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping children feel calm and grounded. Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional regulation in children with ADHD and autism. (Meiklejohn et al., 2012)
- Diet and Sleep
- Ensure children consume a balanced diet with essential nutrients like magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids, which support nervous system health.
- Promote consistent sleep schedules to allow their bodies and minds to recharge.
- Co-Regulation with Caregivers
- Children often mirror the emotional states of their caregivers. By modeling calm and regulated behavior, parents can help their children achieve the same.
- Physical comfort, such as hugs or a reassuring hand on the shoulder, can also soothe a child’s nervous system.
- Educate their teachers, caregivers, friends, and family about the strengths and needs of neurodivergent children. When your child lives in an inclusive environment that fosters empathy, it gives your child the feeling of being valued and loved.
- Strength-Based Learning
- Tap into your child’s natural interests and talents. Whether through art, technology, or nature, create opportunities for them to explore their passions. Providing tools, programs, or activities tailored to their strengths builds confidence and ignites curiosity.
What are neurodivergent traits?
Neurodivergent traits encompass a wide range of cognitive, sensory, and behavioral characteristics found in a neurodiverse person, such as heightened sensitivity, unique communication styles, and diverse learning approaches. Neurodiverse examples include autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome.
Am I neurodiverse?
Whether you're neurodiverse or neurodivergent gifted, recognizing and leveraging your neurodivergent traits can lead to personal growth and success. Start to embrace the benefits of neurodiversity such as enhanced problem-solving skills, creativity, and unique perspectives.
What percent of the population is neurodivergent?
Estimates suggest that up to 20% of the population are neurodivergent individuals. Their neurodivergent brain exhibits a spectrum of cognitive, sensory, and behavioral neurodivergent characteristics across different contexts and environments.
What are examples of being neurodivergent?
Facts about neurodiversity encompass a broad range of neurodivergent conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette syndrome, among others. Each of these neurodivergent examples represents a unique manifestation of unique traits that highlights the diversity and complexity within the community.
What makes you neurodivergent?
Being neurodivergent entails having diverse strengths and cognitive traits that deviate from the neurotypical norm. These strengths can include heightened creativity, exceptional attention to detail, and unique problem-solving abilities, contributing to the richness and diversity of human cognition.
What are neurodivergent people good at?
A neurodiverse person often excels in areas that require unconventional thinking, such as problem-solving, pattern recognition, and innovation. Embracing neurodiversity facts acknowledges the valuable contributions neurodivergent people make to society through their exceptional talents and abilities.
How to know you are neurodivergent?
Recognizing neurodivergence involves identifying with traits commonly associated with neurodiversities, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or others. Checking a neurodivergence list can help individuals understand and recognize patterns in their behavior, cognition, and sensory experiences that align with neurodiverse traits.
Is everyone neurodivergent?
While everyone may exhibit some neurodivergent traits, not everyone meets the criteria for specific types of neurodivergence, such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. Neurodiversity statistics suggest that up to 20%of the population may have neurodivergent traits, but this does not mean that everyone is neurodivergent in the clinical sense.
Is neurodivergence real?
Neurodivergence is real, as it reflects the natural variation in the neurodiversity brain’s structure and function among individuals. Neurodivergencies list various diagnostic criteria observed in clinical settings, which further validate the reality of neurodiversity and the unique challenges and strengths associated with neurodivergent adults.
What makes someone neurodivergent?
Someone is considered neurodivergent when they exhibit neurodivergencies, which are variations in their neurodiverse brain structure and function that diverge from the typical neurotypical profile. Neurodiverse examples include conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome, among others.
Are neurodivergents smarter?
The intelligence of neurodivergent individuals varies widely and cannot be generalized. While some may demonstrate exceptional abilities in specific areas due to their divergent brain function, others may face neurodiverse challenges that impact traditional measures of intelligence. Neurodivergent types encompass a spectrum of cognitive profiles, each with their own neurodiversity strengths and weaknesses,
Citations
Asbell-Clarke, J. (2023). Reaching and Teaching Neurodivergent Learners in STEM. Taylor & Francis.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). The impact of stress on executive functioning.
Meiklejohn, J., Phillips, C., Freedman, M. L., et al. (2012). Integrating Mindfulness Training into
K-12 Education: Fostering the Resilience of Teachers and Students. Mindfulness.
Dr. Roseann is a mental health expert in Neurodivergence who frequently is in the media:
- Think Inclusive How Families Can Support Twice Exceptional Children
- Insights to Live By (Podcast) Parenting for Mental Wellness
- NBC News Understanding Autism with Scott Steindorf
Always remember… “Calm Brain, Happy Family™”
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to give health advice and it is recommended to consult with a physician before beginning any new wellness regime. *The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC does not guarantee certain results.
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Dr. Roseann is a Children’s Mental Health Expert and Licensed Therapist who has been featured in/on hundreds of media outlets including The Mel Robbins Show, CBS, NBC, PIX11 NYC, Today, FORBES, CNN, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider, Women’s Day, Healthline, CNET, Parade Magazine and PARENTS. FORBES called her, “A thought leader in children’s mental health.”
She coined the terms, “Re-entry panic syndrome” and “eco-anxiety” and is a frequent contributor to media on mental health.
Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has three decades of experience in working with children, teens and their families with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, concussion, dyslexia and learning disability, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression and mood disorder, Lyme Disease, and PANS/PANDAS using science-backed natural mental health solutions such as supplements, magnesium, nutrition, QEEG Brain maps, neurofeedback, PEMF, psychotherapy and other non-medication approaches.
She is the author of three bestselling books, It’s Gonna Be OK!: Proven Ways to Improve Your Child's Mental Health, The Teletherapy Toolkit, and Brain Under Attack. Dr. Roseann is known for offering a message of hope through science-endorsed methods that promote a calm brain.
Her trademarked BrainBehaviorResetⓇ Program and It’s Gonna be OK!Ⓡ Podcast has been a cornerstone for thousands of parents facing mental health, behavioral or neurodevelopmental challenges.
She is the founder and director of The Global Institute of Children’s Mental Health, Neurotastic™Brain Formulas and Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, LLC. Dr. Roseann is a Board Certified Neurofeedback (BCN) Practitioner, a Board Member of the Northeast Region Biofeedback Society (NRBS), Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) and an Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach. She is also a member of The International Lyme Disease and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The American Psychological Association (APA), Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
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