538: Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child with Dr. Chinwé Williams

Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel lonely, especially when the people around you don’t understand what everyday life looks like. Counselor Dr. Chinwé Williams joins Karen and Emily to unpack neurodivergence, executive functioning, and the important difference between “won’t” and “can’t.” Whether you’re raising a neurodivergent child or want to better understand a friend who is, this conversation will help you respond with more empathy and grace.

Episode Recap:

• What does neurodivergent mean and who falls under that umbrella? (2:56)
• How do I know if it’s an actual skill deficit or simply a will deficit?’ (4:41)
• What is executive functioning and how do I know if my kid struggles with it? (7:53)
• Don’t get into unnecessary power struggles (13:08)
• How do we advocate for our child without removing all obstacles for them? (14:50)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:18 (NIV) — “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Where are you most tempted to compare your child’s abilities or behavior to other kids their age?
2. How could asking, “Is this a skill deficit or a will deficit?” change the way you respond to frustrating behavior?
3. Where are you getting pulled into unnecessary power struggles with your child? What could you do differently?
4. How can you advocate for and support your child while still allowing them to experience challenges that build independence and resilience?

Resources:

• Listen to last week’s episode with Dr. Chinwé
• Pick up a copy of Calm, Courageous, and Connected
• Sign up for Dr. Chinwé’s free monthly newsletter online
• Connect on IG: @dr.chinwewilliams
• Reach out to have Karen or Erin come speak in your community.
• Atlanta moms - sign up for Mom Core Live! - a short term group with Karen and Erin

Want More of This Conversation?
In Wire Talk+, Dr. Chinwé Williams opens up about her own journey processing an autism diagnosis and gets practical with specific strategies for the real-life parenting moments that can leave us wondering, What do I do now?

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