Neurodiversity Reflection Handout

Thank you for participating in Session 1. Use this handout to reflect on what you’ve learned and plan next steps.

1. One key insight I gained today about autism or ADHD is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. A strength of neurodiversity that resonates with me and my child is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. One challenge my child faces and how I might support them is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. A practical strategy I will try at home this week is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Any questions I still have or topics I’d like to explore more in upcoming sessions:
   
   
   
   
   
   

— Thank you for reflecting! We look forward to seeing you in Session 2.

Session 1 Script

Welcome & Icebreaker (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Good morning, everyone! Welcome to our first Parent Power Workshop session. My name is [Your Name], and I’m so glad you’re here. Over the next 30 minutes, we’ll build a supportive community and learn together about autism and ADHD.

Teacher: “Let’s get to know each other. Please share your name and one strength you see in your child. I’ll capture these strengths on our flip chart.”

• Prompt: “I’ll start—my name is [Your Name], and one strength I see in my child is their creativity. Who would like to go next?”

• (As each parent shares, write their name and the strength on the board.)

• Follow-up if needed: “That’s wonderful—could you say a bit more about how you see that strength in day-to-day life?”
 
 

Mini-Presentation: Understanding Autism & ADHD (15 minutes)

Teacher: “Thank you for sharing. Now, let’s look at some foundational concepts. We’ll use the Autism and ADHD Overview Slides. Feel free to jot down any questions you have.”

Slide 1 – "Understanding Autism & ADHD":
Teacher: “Here we introduce neurodiversity—a way to honor all brain differences. Autism and ADHD are lifelong, varied conditions. Understanding them helps us support our children’s growth.”

• Prompt: “What does the term ‘neurodiversity’ mean to you?”
 
 
Slide 2 – "What Is Autism?":
Teacher: “Autism involves differences in social interaction, communication, and sensory processing. Every child on the spectrum is unique.”

• Example: “One child might love loud music, another might cover their ears. Both are valid sensory profiles.”
 
 
Slide 3 – "What Is ADHD?":
Teacher: “ADHD is marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. But it also brings strengths like creativity and hyperfocus.”

• Prompt: “Have you noticed moments when your child’s hyperfocus has been an asset?”
 
 
Slide 4 – "Common Characteristics":
Teacher: “Many children experience executive function differences—like planning challenges—sensory sensitivities, social communication, and emotional regulation differences.”

• Follow-up: “Which of these characteristics feels most familiar in your home?”
 
 
Slide 5 – "Strengths of Neurodiversity":
Teacher: “Let’s celebrate assets: creativity, deep interest focus, pattern recognition, honesty. These strengths can be powerful when we channel them intentionally.”

• Prompt: “Can you share an example of a strength you appreciate in your child?”
 
 
Slide 6 – "Challenges & Impact":
Teacher: “Alongside strengths, many children face challenges like difficulty with transitions, overwhelm in busy spaces, or meltdowns. Recognizing both sides helps us build balanced support.”

• Follow-up: “What environment at home seems to trigger stress for your child?”
 
 
Slide 7 – "The Neurodiversity Spectrum":
Teacher: “Here’s a simple continuum showing how traits vary. Every child falls somewhere here—embracing individual profiles is our goal.”
 
 
Slide 8 – "Key Takeaways":
Teacher: “To recap: autism and ADHD are lifelong, varied conditions with unique strengths and challenges. Understanding them is our foundation for support. What questions do you have?”
 
 

Q&A Discussion (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Let’s open the floor. What questions or observations have come up so far?”

• Possible prompts:
– “Can you share a real-life situation you’d like strategies for?”
– “What resources would help you feel more confident?”

• Respond with clarifications, examples, and encourage peer advice: “Great point, Maria—does anyone else try a similar strategy?”
 
 

Reflection & Close (5 minutes)

Teacher: “Thank you for the rich discussion. Now please take the Neurodiversity Reflection Handout. You have 3 minutes to complete these prompts:”

1. One key insight I gained today about autism or ADHD is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. A strength of neurodiversity that resonates with me and my child is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. One challenge my child faces and how I might support them is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. A practical strategy I will try at home this week is:
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Any questions I still have or topics I’d like to explore more:
   
   
   
   
   
   

Teacher: “Who would like to share one insight or strategy?”

• (Invite 1–2 volunteers to share briefly.)

Teacher: “Thank you all for your openness. Next session, we’ll dive into communication and behavior-support strategies. I look forward to seeing you then!”

End of Session 1

Behavior Support Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to apply the ABC framework and design a simple plan to support one behavior. Fill in each section below.

1. Behavior I want to support (describe the specific behavior):
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Antecedent – What typically happens right before this behavior? (triggers, time of day, environment):
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Behavior – What exactly does the child do? (observable actions):
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Consequence – What usually happens right after the behavior? (how adults respond, what the child gains/avoids):
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Goal – What is the positive/alternative behavior you’d like to see instead?
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Proactive Strategies – What supports or changes can you put in place to prevent the challenging behavior? (visual cues, routines, choices, adaptations):
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Reinforcement Plan – How will you acknowledge or reward the desired behavior when it occurs? (praise, tokens, activities):
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Success Criteria – How will you know the plan is working? (what data or observations will you track?):
   
   
   
   
   
   
9. Next Steps & Notes – Any additional considerations or adjustments for home implementation:
   
   
   
   
   
   

— Thank you for planning! Use this worksheet to guide your practice and reflect on progress throughout the week.

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Use these cards to practice communication strategies in pairs. Print and cut along the lines so each pair draws a card and takes turns playing the Parent and Child roles.

Card 1: Morning Dress-Up

Scenario:
• It’s 7:00 AM and it’s time to get dressed for school, but your child is ignoring your request and still playing with toys.

Parent Role:
• Practice clear instructions and positive phrasing.

Child Role:
• Respond with “No, I don’t want to get dressed,” and continue playing.

Strategy Focus:
• Use one-step commands: “Please pick up your red shirt.”
• Offer a simple choice: “Would you like your red shirt or blue shirt first?”

Card 2: Screen Time Transition

Scenario:
• Your child is deeply engaged in a tablet game and you need them to turn it off and come to breakfast.

Parent Role:
• Practice advance warnings, visual cues, and offering choices.

Child Role:
• Say “Just five more minutes!” and keep tapping on the screen.

Strategy Focus:
• Provide a timer countdown: “Three minutes until breakfast.”
• Offer a choice: “Would you like to pause now or in one minute?”

Card 3: Homework Start

Scenario:
• Your child seems upset and refuses to begin homework, saying it’s too hard.

Parent Role:
• Practice active listening and validation.

Child Role:
• Say “I can’t do this. It’s too hard!” and push the paper away.

Strategy Focus:
• Acknowledge feelings: “I hear you; this looks tough.”
• Paraphrase: “You’re worried about getting the answers right.”

Card 4: Snack Choice Meltdown

Scenario:
• You offer two snack options—apple slices or crackers— and your child melts down, screaming “I want something else!”

Parent Role:
• Practice positive phrasing, limiting instructions, and offering choices within boundaries.

Child Role:
• Scream “No!” and cross arms.

Strategy Focus:
• Say “Here are our two choices: apple slices or crackers. Which do you want?”
• Stay calm and repeat the options.

Card 5: Sibling Conflict

Scenario:
• Your child has hit their sibling over a toy and is now refusing to apologize.

Parent Role:
• Practice clear instructions, emotion validation, and reinforcement of positive behavior.

Child Role:
• Cross arms and say “I don’t care!”

Strategy Focus:
• Validate: “I see you’re upset about the toy.”
• Give clear instruction: “Please say ‘I’m sorry’ so I know you understand.”

Card 6: Bedtime Routine Delay

Scenario:
• It’s bedtime, but your child is dawdling—playing with stuffed animals—and won’t brush teeth.

Parent Role:
• Practice using a visual schedule, clear one-step directions, and reinforcement.

Child Role:
• Keep playing and say “In a minute!”

Strategy Focus:
• Show the bedtime chart: “Next step: brush teeth.”
• Provide praise immediately: “Great—now you’re at the sink brushing!”

Self-Care Action Planning Worksheet

Use this worksheet to create a personalized self-care plan. Identify a clear goal, anticipate barriers, select strategies, schedule your practice, establish accountability, and capture reflections.

1. Self-Care Goal (be specific and realistic):
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Potential Barriers & Solutions (what might get in the way and how you’ll address it):
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Self-Care Strategies (activities or practices you will commit to):
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Schedule (when, where, and how often you will practice):
   
   
   
   
5. Accountability & Support (who or what will help you stay on track):
   
   
   
   
6. Additional Notes & Reflections (adjustments, insights, observations):
   
   
   
   
   
   

— Return to this worksheet regularly to track your progress and refine your self-care plan. Good luck!

Guided Relaxation Script

This guided relaxation is designed to help you pause, breathe, and reconnect with your body and mind. Find a comfortable seated position with both feet on the floor or sit back in your chair. Rest your hands gently in your lap or on your thighs. When you’re ready, softly close your eyes or lower your gaze.

1. Centering with the Breath (2 minutes)

• Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose for a count of 4.
• Hold that breath for a count of 2.
• Exhale gently through your mouth for a count of 6, letting shoulders drop.
• Repeat this cycle 4–5 times, noticing the rise and fall of your chest and belly.

2. Body Scan (3 minutes)

As you continue breathing at your own pace, bring awareness to your body, scanning from head to toe.

• Notice any tension in your forehead. Imagine your brow smoothing out.
• Soften your jaw—allow your teeth to part slightly.
• Let your shoulders drop away from your ears, releasing carried stress.
• Draw awareness down to your arms, elbows, wrists, and hands—let them rest heavy.
• Gently observe your back and chest: feel the support of the chair and the expansion of each breath.
• Move your attention to your abdomen and hips—release any tightness.
• Notice your thighs, knees, calves, and shins—let them rest easily.
• Finally, sense your ankles, feet, and toes—imagine tension melting into the floor.

3. Guided Imagery (3 minutes)

Picture a calm, safe place—a favorite spot in nature or a peaceful room.

• Visualize the details: colors, textures, and ambient sounds.
• Feel the air on your skin or the warmth of the sun.
• If any thoughts or worries arise, acknowledge them like clouds drifting by, then return your focus to your safe place.

4. Returning Awareness (1 minute)

• Bring your attention back to your breath for two slow, grounding breaths.
• Gently wiggle your fingers and toes, feeling energy returning.
• When you’re ready, softly open your eyes or lift your gaze.

5. Debrief & Integration

Take a moment to notice how you feel—calmer, more centered, or perhaps simply a bit more relaxed. Consider where in your day you could carve out 2–5 minutes for this practice: before a challenging moment, during a break, or at bedtime. Regular, brief pauses like this can build resilience and model healthy coping for your child.

End of Guided Relaxation Script

Parent Resources List

A one-stop collection of books, websites, support groups, and tools to help you navigate parenting a child with autism or ADHD.

Books

• The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Stock Kranowitz
  An overview of sensory processing challenges and practical strategies.
  
  
• The Explosive Child by Ross W. Greene
  A collaborative problem-solving approach for challenging behaviors.
  
  
• The Autism Mom’s Survival Guide by Susan Senator
  Real-life advice on self-care, advocacy, and navigating the system.
  
  
• Driven to Distraction (Revised) by Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey
  Insights into ADHD, treatment options, and tools for daily life.
  
  

Websites & Online Communities

• Understood.org
  Resources and expert articles on learning and attention issues. https://www.understood.org
  
  
• Autism Speaks
  Toolkits, local events, and research updates. https://www.autismspeaks.org
  
  
• CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)
  Information, webinars, and local support chapters. https://www.chadd.org
  
  
• ADDitude Magazine
  Tips, strategies, and personal stories for ADHD families. https://www.additudemag.com
  
  
• The Sensory Processing Disorder Foundation
  Research, FAQs, and professional directory. https://www.spdfoundation.net
  
  

Apps & Tools

• First Then Visual Schedule (iOS/Android)
  Create visual routines and countdown timers.
  
  
• Behavior Tracker Pro (iOS/Android)
  Log behaviors, antecedents/consequences, and track progress.
  
  
• Mindful Powers (iOS)
  Guided mindfulness activities designed for children.
  
  
• Calm (iOS/Android/Web)
  Breathing exercises, guided meditations, and sleep stories for parents and children.
  
  

Support Groups & Local Services

• Local Autism & ADHD Parent Groups
  Reach out to your school district’s parent liaison or local chapter of CHADD/Autism Speaks to find in-person or virtual meetups.
  
  
• Parent to Parent USA
  One-on-one peer support by phone or email. https://www.p2pusa.org
  
  
• Family Resource Centers
  Often housed in local school districts—offer workshops, lending libraries, and counseling referrals.
  
  

Professional Referrals

• Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA)
  For behavior assessments and individualized behavior plans.
  
  
• Licensed Child Psychologists/Psychiatrists
  Evaluation, therapy, and medication management when needed.
  
  
• Occupational Therapists
  Support for sensory processing and motor skills.
  
  

Additional Tools

• IEP and 504 Plan Guides
  Work with your school’s special education team to secure accommodations.
  
  
• Local Library Programs
  Sensory storytimes and social skills groups—check your city or county library website.
  
  

Keep this list handy as you explore new strategies, seek support, and connect with other families. You are not alone on this journey!