NEURODIVERGENT CHILD BEHAVIOR

Neurodivergent children can have a range of conditions diagnosed. But, in general, this term refers to children whose brains are simply wired differently. These developmental differences evolve early in life—before birth or in the first stages of childhood.

Neurodivergence may present itself as a learning disorder, such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. Or it may mean your child falls on the spectrum of autism or ADHD. Other types of neurodivergence include Tourette syndrome, synesthesia, and dyspraxia.

Symptoms will differ according to the condition, and many can affect mental health—or overlap with mental health symptoms. Here are some signs to watch for in the most common types of neurodivergence.

1. ADHD

Through decades of performing brain SPECT scans, Amen Clinics has determined there are seven types of ADHD. However, general core symptoms seen in all types of this mental health disorder include:

• Short attention span while performing everyday tasks, such as chores and homework
• Procrastination
• Disorganization
• Being easily distracted
• Problems with follow-through
• Poor impulse control (such as speaking before thinking)

Related: 7 Types of ADHD eBook

2. Autism

Autism is not a simple or single condition. But symptoms can include the following:

• Difficulty in communication, both nonverbal (understanding social cues and reading facial expressions) and verbal (reciprocating or initiating communication)
• Repetitive movements, such as rocking or hand flapping
• Repetitive use of objects, such as always lining up toys or turning things upside-down
• Difficulty learning new skills or intellectual disability
• Rigid routines or thinking (aversion to change, intense focus on certain things, or narrow food preferences)
• Sensitivities to sensory input
• Echolalia (repeating others’ words or sentences)
• Speech delays or significantly impaired language skills
• Deficits in social skills, such as lack of eye contact
• Sleep disorders
• Self-harming behavior, such as repetitive head-banging, scratching, or biting

Related: The Many Faces of Autism

3. Learning Disorders

Learning disabilities can appear in various forms and make schoolwork more difficult.

• Dyslexia interferes with the ability to read, write, and spell.
• Dysgraphia refers to writing impairment.
• Dyscalculia describes impaired math abilities.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 5-15% of school-age children have a learning disability.

4. Other Types of Neurodivergence

Tourette syndrome is characterized by sudden and involuntary tics, either vocalized or through movements. Synesthesia creates a conflation between two senses at once, such as seeing colors when hearing sounds.

Dyspraxia, also called developmental coordination disorder, affects motor abilities. A child with this condition may be perceived as clumsy, accident-prone, or uncoordinated.

9 PARENTING TIPS FOR NEURODIVERSE KIDS

Brain-based parenting strategies for neurodiverse children will encourage emotional regulation, structure, and connection. While each child (and parent) is unique, here are some approaches to try:

1. Recognize and celebrate strengths. Neurodivergence isn’t something to be fixed, but to be optimized. Despite their challenges, neurodivergent children will also display unique strengths. For example, those with autism often excel in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
2. Remain tolerant through challenges. Patience is always a must in parenting, and sometimes more so with a neurodivergent child. Practice—and share with your child—positive thinking habits. Together, consider challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as insurmountable setbacks.
3. Don’t underestimate the impact of nutrition. Nutritional supplements and diet make a major difference in the mental and physical health of all children, but it’s crucial in those with neurodivergence.

For example, kids with ADHD can incorporate a 500-mg supplement of L-tyrosine twice daily, which assists in attention and focus, as well as a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. (An exception is those with the over-focused type of ADD, for whom higher complex carbohydrate intake is recommended.)

Many neurodivergent children will benefit from an elimination diet. Try removing sugar, gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and artificial dyes and sweeteners, which can worsen conditions like autism.

Related: 5 Foods That Can Make Autism Worse

Finally, studies have suggested that boosting omega-3 levels in children can help reduce a variety of issues, including symptoms of ADD and autism. Add omega-3s through high-quality supplements and/or dietary choices like salmon, avocados, flax and chia seeds, walnuts, and dark leafy green vegetables.

Press Play to Discover the Best Foods for ADHD

In this video, Amen Clinics psychiatrist Dr. Steven Storage reveals the top five foods to eat to help ADHD.

Click below to tune in: