EP 127: Parenting Your Neurodivergent Child with Diane Dempster, co-founder of Impact Parents

SEND Parenting Podcast · 2025-06-30

We dive into a powerful conversation about parenting neurodivergent children from the inside out with guest Diane Dempster, coach, speaker, and co-founder of Impact Parents. Diane shares her personal journey as a "recovering yelling mom" and how she discovered that the way we show up as parents matters more than what we do.

• How the "Super Mom trap" catches neurodivergent parents who try to do everything for their children
• Why parents are "the missing link" in helping neurodivergent children thrive
• Recognising when you're having a "wobbly" day and what to do about it
• Practical tools like the "3-5 challenge" for setting realistic expectations
• Questioning whether difficult behaviours are "naughty or neurological"
• Reframing self-care as "bringing your needs into the equation"
• The importance of asking for help and modelling this skill for your children
• Setting an intention to do something for yourself every day, no matter how small
• Breaking free from internal critical voices that may not even be your own

If you're looking for a safe space to connect with other parents navigating their neurodiverse journey, our private WhatsApp community offers support, insights and real conversations with like-minded parents who truly understand. Join the conversation today. You can find the link in the show notes.

Click here for Impact Parents

Click here for the SEND Parenting Private WhatsApp Community

www.sendparenting.com

SEND Parenting Podcast

Welcome to the Send Parenting Podcast. I'm your neurodiverse host, Dr Olivia Kessel, and, more importantly, I am a mother to my wonderfully neurodivergent daughter, Alexandra, who really inspired this podcast.

As a veteran in navigating the world of neurodiversity, I have uncovered a wealth of misinformation, alongside many answers and solutions that were never taught to me in medical school or in any of the parenting handbooks.

Each week on this podcast, I will be bringing the experts to your ears to empower you on your parenting crusade.

Where can you listen?

Episodes