Parenting is tough. Parenting a neurodivergent child? That’s a whole new level of complexity, where “normal” is just a setting on your dryer. Whether your child has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing disorder, or another unique neurodivergence, finding your people—parents who get it—can be a lifeline.
Fortunately, the internet isn’t just for memes and online shopping. It’s also home to vibrant communities where parents like you share advice, support, and the occasional “today was HARD” vent session. Here are 10 of the best online communities for parents of neurodivergent kids.
1. The Mighty’s Neurodivergent Parenting Hub
Platform: Website and app
Why It’s Great:The Mighty is a treasure trove of resources for parents and caregivers of neurodivergent kids. Their parenting hub includes articles, personal stories, and forums for discussing everything from meltdowns to celebrating small victories. The tone is compassionate, supportive, and relatable—think of it as the warm hug you didn’t know you needed.
Where to Join: The Mighty
2. Facebook Group: Parenting Neurodivergent Kids
Platform: Facebook
Why It’s Great:This private Facebook group connects over 50,000 parents navigating the same challenges. Members share resources, celebrate milestones, and offer support for everything from IEP battles to sleep struggles. Bonus: You can lurk quietly or jump into discussions, depending on your energy levels.
Where to Join: Search “Parenting Neurodivergent Kids” on Facebook
3. ADDitude’s Parent-to-Parent Community
Platform: Website and forum
Why It’s Great:ADDitude is the go-to site for all things ADHD. Their forums offer specific sections for parenting children with ADHD, making it easy to find relevant threads. The community is knowledgeable, responsive, and refreshingly free of judgment.
Where to Join: ADDitude Forums
4. Reddit: r/ParentingADHD
Platform: Reddit
Why It’s Great:If you like your advice sprinkled with memes and a dash of sarcasm, Reddit is your jam. The r/ParentingADHD subreddit offers a mix of vent posts, actionable advice, and the occasional thread that reminds you to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Where to Join: r/ParentingADHD
5. AANE (Asperger/Autism Network) Parent Support Groups
Platform: Zoom-based groups
Why It’s Great:While not your typical “online forum,” AANE’s virtual parent support groups provide real-time connection with other parents. They offer general and topic-specific sessions, such as navigating the teen years or preparing for college. It’s like group therapy without the couch.
Where to Join: AANE Parent Groups
6. Instagram: @fidgets.and.fries
Platform: Instagram
Why It’s Great:Looking for parenting wisdom with a side of humor? @fidgets.and.fries, run by neurodivergent advocate Tiffany, is equal parts educational and entertaining. Her posts tackle heavy topics like ableism and advocacy while reminding you it’s okay to laugh (and cry) along the way.
Where to Join: @fidgets.and.fries
7. SPARK for Autism’s Online Community
Platform: Website and forums
Why It’s Great:SPARK connects families with autism resources, including a thriving online community. You can participate in discussions, share your experiences, or just soak up the collective wisdom of parents who’ve been there, done that.
Where to Join: SPARK for Autism
8. Understood.org’s Parent Community
Platform: Website and forums
Why It’s Great:Understood.org focuses on learning and thinking differences like dyslexia, ADHD, and more. Their parent community offers practical tools and heartfelt advice for navigating your child’s challenges, whether it’s reading struggles or emotional regulation.
Where to Join: Understood.org
9. Twitter: #ActuallyAutistic and #NeurodivergentParenting
Platform: Twitter
Why It’s Great:Twitter’s hashtags make it easy to find like-minded parents and neurodivergent voices. Search for #ActuallyAutistic to learn directly from neurodivergent individuals or #NeurodivergentParenting for tips, support, and solidarity.
Where to Join: Just search the hashtags on Twitter
10. YouTube: Jessica McCabe’s “How to ADHD” Channel
Platform: YouTube
Why It’s Great:Jessica McCabe’s YouTube channel is ADHD gold. While it’s not exclusively for parents, her bite-sized videos explain ADHD concepts in a way that’s easy to understand—and easy to share with your kid. Consider it Netflix for the neurodivergent parenting crowd.
Where to Join: How to ADHD
Final Thoughts
Finding the right community for you and your child is like finding the perfect coffee mug—once you’ve got it, you’ll wonder how you survived without it. These online spaces offer more than just advice; they provide connection, validation, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
Ready to take the next step in supporting your neurodivergent child? Call or text 614-470-4466, email admin@achievepsychology.org, or visit www.achievepsychology.org to learn more about how we can help.
Works Cited:
"Parenting and Support for Neurodivergent Kids," ADDitude Magazine
"SPARK for Autism: Community Resources," SPARK for Autism
"Online Parent Support Groups for Autism and ADHD," AANE
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