We don’t talk about parents mental health enough
I don’t think we talk about parents of neurodivergent kids mental health enough. Partly it’s because we don’t want there to be any blame put on our children (who we love fiercely). Partly it’s because we’re afraid. Afraid that any sign of weakness will be used against us.
I know one of the parents who took part in this study. She’s amazing – calm, capable, and on the surface, looks like she’s got it all together. But this research tells the real story behind that brave face. And if you’re in this too? You’ll feel it in your bones.
This system is breaking parents.
The study, “I felt shamed and blamed”, explores what it’s really like to parent a neurodivergent child (many with a PDA profile) who can’t attend school – something 70% of PDA families are dealing with, according to the PDA Society.
Parents spoke about:
- Being blamed by professionals instead of supported
- Feeling gaslit and isolated when their child couldn’t cope
- The emotional toll of navigating a system that just doesn’t get it
- Mental health impacts that no one talks about – until it’s too late
And yet, through it all, these parents show up. Fight. Advocate. Break down. Get back up. And do it all again.
So if you’re feeling like you’ve failed…
Like you’re “too emotional”…
Like the world thinks you’re making it all up…
Please know this: it’s not you. You’re not imagining it. And you’re not alone. This research proves what we’ve all been living.
Read it here >
Wherever you are in your journey, take a moment. You are doing more than enough.
And in the middle of the overwhelm, exhaustion, and fight – I see you.