top of page

A Neurodivergent Parenting Blog Uplifting Neurodivergent Kids & Families

Welcome to our blog — a space for real stories and practical tools from our neurodivergent family, created by a neurodivergent parent. Through the lens of neurodivergent parenting, we share lived experiences, joyful moments, and ideas for supporting neurodivergent kids — from sensory play inspiration to reflections. Our aim is to offer perspectives that invite a respectful, strengths-based view of neurodiversity.

Search

All Posts

One-year-old boy on grass with text reading "Early Autism Signs"

One-year-old boy on grass with text reading "Early Autism Signs"

Early Signs of Autism: What I Saw, What I Learned, and What I Celebrate Now

When my son was little, I started noticing things: his deep focus, his sensitivity to sound, his unique way of moving. These early signs of autism were signals that he experienced the world differently, and often beautifully. This is our story of learning, adapting, and celebrating those differences.

24 hours ago7 min read

Halloween background with an image of two kids dressed as old people. Text reads: Trick or Loot! They look so innocent!

Halloween background with an image of two kids dressed as old people. Text reads: Trick or Loot! They look so innocent!

Trick or Loot! Neurodivergent Kids and Halloween Sensory Overload

Halloween is weird. Especially when you're a neurodivergent kid dealing with sensory overload, trying to make sense of itchy costumes, new rules, and why you can't take the cat. Here's what happened when my kids tried to trick-or-treat – and tricked their way into someone’s living room.

Oct 14 min read

Blog Cover for blog post of the neurodiversity paradigm, neurodivergence, and neurodivergent identity

Blog Cover for blog post of the neurodiversity paradigm, neurodivergence, and neurodivergent identity

What Is the Neurodiversity Paradigm? Exploring Neurodivergence and Neurodivergent Identity

This guide offers a strengths-based introduction to the neurodiversity paradigm, neurodivergence, and neurodivergent identity – foundational terms that challenge deficit-based thinking and affirm the value of neurological differences.

Sep 2610 min read

The back of a woman, who is standing at the edge of a crowd of people, a blog cover for a story on neurodivergent belonging

The back of a woman, who is standing at the edge of a crowd of people, a blog cover for a story on neurodivergent belonging

We Don’t Have to Fit In to Belong | Rethinking Belonging as a Neurodivergent Person

Fitting in isn’t the same as belonging — especially for neurodivergent people. Here's what I’ve learned about honoring needs, unmasking, and finding spaces that feel truly affirming

Sep 106 min read

Blog cover showing one of six examples of how idioms often create confusion for neurodivergent, literal-minded kids. This idiom is related to "stiffing" someone, and a kid misunderstands that idiom to mean a dead person.

Blog cover showing one of six examples of how idioms often create confusion for neurodivergent, literal-minded kids. This idiom is related to "stiffing" someone, and a kid misunderstands that idiom to mean a dead person.

Idioms, Farts & Buckets: Life with Neurodivergent, Literal Kids

Idioms are supposed to make communication easier, unless you're parenting neurodivergent, literal-thinking kids. Then, phrases like "kick the bucket" or "stiff the waiter" turn into comedy (and mild chaos). Here’s a look at how our everyday conversations become hilarious misadventures… one idiom at a time.

Sep 45 min read

Spinning as an Autistic Stim Blog Cover

Spinning as an Autistic Stim Blog Cover

Spinning as a Stim: How My Autistic Child Uses Movement to Regulate

How my autistic child’s spinning stim developed—and why supporting stimming is essential for regulation, joy, and connection.

Sep 43 min read

Blog Cover autistic kid perspective of sensory overload with AI generated images of an angry green-skinned man and a kid

Blog Cover autistic kid perspective of sensory overload with AI generated images of an angry green-skinned man and a kid

When the World Gets Too Loud: My Autistic Kid’s View of Sensory Overload

When my autistic kid used animation to show me what sensory overload feels like, it opened a new way for us to connect. His characters gave me a window into his nervous system.

Aug 263 min read

An imaginative cake of a four-armed sloth monster wearing a Tiki mask, which celebrates a kid's special interest

An imaginative cake of a four-armed sloth monster wearing a Tiki mask, which celebrates a kid's special interest

Celebrating Special Interests: Baking Cakes and Parenting Neurodivergent Kids

For families parenting neurodivergent kids, celebrating special interests – even through something as simple as a cake – is a joyful way to connect, honor, and celebrate who our kids truly are.

Aug 134 min read

Cover image for the blog post titled “Affirming Language Changed How I Saw My PTSD and Acquired Neurodivergence” featuring an image of a row of different light bulbs sprouting from plants

Cover image for the blog post titled “Affirming Language Changed How I Saw My PTSD and Acquired Neurodivergence” featuring an image of a row of different light bulbs sprouting from plants

Affirming Language Changed How I Saw My PTSD and Acquired Neurodivergence

What happens when neurodivergence is acquired, not innate? This piece explores how affirming language can support those whose brains have changed due to trauma, illness, or life experience — and why inclusion matters in the neurodiversity conversation.

Aug 66 min read

Collection of our go-to calming tools when sensory overload is building: mints, heated rice pack, ice water, and scented lotion

Collection of our go-to calming tools when sensory overload is building: mints, heated rice pack, ice water, and scented lotion

Sensory Overload Help: 4 Simple Tools that Calm the Senses

Sometimes we need support to take the edge off sensory overload. These four quick, accessible tools can help calm and regulate when overwhelm starts to build.

Jul 314 min read

A mom and a preschooler wearing a Josh Groban hat for a story about autism, special interests, and one kid's love for Josh Groban

A mom and a preschooler wearing a Josh Groban hat for a story about autism, special interests, and one kid's love for Josh Groban

Autism and Special Interests: My Son's Josh Groban Story

When my autistic son was just six months old, Josh Groban’s music captured his full attention. For the next seven years, it became a source of comfort, joy, and connection. This is a story about autism, special interests, and how one artist helped my son grow in ways that truly mattered.

Jul 245 min read

Child chasing giant bubbles during sensory play

Child chasing giant bubbles during sensory play

Giant Bubbles for Sensory Play: A Joyful Activity for Neurodivergent Kids

Learn how to create a giant bubble activity for neurodivergent kids. Includes a DIY wand guide, homemade bubble solution, and sensory play tips for joyful outdoor fun.

Jul 106 min read

Blog Cover Image with Text that reads: "Mom, is Autism a Bad Word? Why the neurodiversity paradigm & neurodivergent-affirming language matter - for our kids and ourselves

Blog Cover Image with Text that reads: "Mom, is Autism a Bad Word? Why the neurodiversity paradigm & neurodivergent-affirming language matter - for our kids and ourselves

My Kid Asked If Autism Is a Bad Word: Here's Why the Neurodiversity Paradigm and Neurodivergent-Affirming Language Matter in Parenting

When my child whispered, “Is autism a bad word?” I knew something had to change. Language shapes how we see ourselves — and each other. In this post, we explore the neurodiversity paradigm, the power of neurodivergent-affirming language, and why both matter — in parenting, and in how we understand ourselves.

Jul 18 min read

Parenting Fail with Kids Commenting on Public Stink

Parenting Fail with Kids Commenting on Public Stink

Parenting Fail: When Honesty Gets Awkward in Public (Thanks, Kids!)

Teaching kids to be honest sounds simple, but as a parent, I’ve learned that the world values honesty... selectively. This is a funny, heartfelt story (well, parenting fail) about parenting, social nuance, body odor, and the lies we tell to avoid offending strangers. It’s sticky — in every sense of the word.

Jun 232 min read

AI Image of The Old Hag, an emaciated old woman. Text says: The Old Hag & Sleep Paralysis. Has She Visited You?

AI Image of The Old Hag, an emaciated old woman. Text says: The Old Hag & Sleep Paralysis. Has She Visited You?

When Sleep Gets Weird: Neurodivergence, Sleep Paralysis, and the Old Hag

Seeing the old hag during sleep paralysis? You’re not alone. Explore how neurodivergent minds experience a range of strange and vivid sleep disturbances.

Jun 175 min read

Image of a smiling preschool-aged boy in an orange short. Text reads: Parenting Plot Twists: Hacking the Tablet at Age 4 and More Unexpected Moments"

Image of a smiling preschool-aged boy in an orange short. Text reads: Parenting Plot Twists: Hacking the Tablet at Age 4 and More Unexpected Moments"

Hyperlexia, Hacking & Bilingual Brains: Parenting a Neurodivergent Child with Unique Strengths

Raising a neurodivergent child means letting go of standard milestones. Here are 5 surprising, awesome things my son did his own way—none of which were in the parenting books.

Jun 104 min read

Image of two kids standing under a Mentos and Diet Coke geyser, waiting to get soaked. A backyard is the backdrop, and text reads: Soda Explosion Fun! Create an IMPRESSIVE Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion

Image of two kids standing under a Mentos and Diet Coke geyser, waiting to get soaked. A backyard is the backdrop, and text reads: Soda Explosion Fun! Create an IMPRESSIVE Mentos and Diet Coke Explosion

Fun, Messy Sensory Play with a Mentos and Diet Coke Experiment!

Get ready for a fizzy backyard blast! The Mentos and Diet Coke experiment is a fun way to explore science through sensory play. We’ll show you how to boost the reaction and explain the science behind the fun.

Jun 44 min read

Image of a golden retriever with a tennis ball in his mouth. Text says: A Dog's Touch: Best Support is Furry and has Four Legs

Image of a golden retriever with a tennis ball in his mouth. Text says: A Dog's Touch: Best Support is Furry and has Four Legs

How a Golden Retriever Became an Autism Support Dog for One Amazing Kid

This post explores how a golden retriever became a vital autism support dog, highlighting the powerful bond between a support dog and an autistic child.

May 203 min read

image of a boy looking at a book. Text says: "My Three-Year-Old Taught Himself to read? One story of Hyperlexia"

image of a boy looking at a book. Text says: "My Three-Year-Old Taught Himself to read? One story of Hyperlexia"

What Is Hyperlexia? My Child’s Journey to Reading at Age 3

Have you heard of preschoolers teaching themselves to read? This story shows what hyperlexia looks like for one kid.

May 165 min read

Image of two kids and mom with goofy smiles. Text at the top of the image says: "Sharing Neurodivergent Stories." Text at the bottom of the image says "Welcome to Cool Wiring"

Image of two kids and mom with goofy smiles. Text at the top of the image says: "Sharing Neurodivergent Stories." Text at the bottom of the image says "Welcome to Cool Wiring"

Welcome to Cool Wiring: Neurodivergent Family Stories & Parenting Blog

Welcome to Cool Wiring—a neurodivergent family blog sharing stories, support, and strategies for parenting differently wired kids with heart and honesty.

May 121 min read

bottom of page