Clinical Resource Library

Parent Guides:
Understanding Your
Neurodivergent Child

Clinical articles written to answer the questions parents search for most. Each guide reflects years of specialist practice and intensive whole-family outpatient services.

Written by Kimberley Clayton Blaine, MA, LMFT · The Misunderstood Child

DHD & Neurodivergent Child Therapist | Kimberley Blaine LMFT

Understanding Your Child's Brain

What is happening neurologically and what does your child's diagnosis actually mean.

› What Is the Difference Between a Meltdown and a Tantrum?

› What Does ADHD Look Like in Girls?

› Sensory Processing Disorder vs. Autism: How to Tell the Difference

› How Is ADHD Diagnosed? A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

› What Is Demand Avoidance and How Is It Different From Defiance?

› What Is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and Does My Child Have It?

› What Is DMDD and How Is It Different From ADHD?

› What Is NVLD and Why Does My Child Struggle Socially Despite Being Smart?

Sensory and Regulation

Understanding your child's nervous system and how to support it at home and in the world.

› Signs of Sensory Processing Issues in Children

› How to Help a Child With Sensory Overload

› Why Is My Child Falling Apart From the Inside?

› What Is Co-Regulation and How Do I Actually Do It?

› What Is the Polyvagal Theory and How Does It Apply to Kids?

› Why Does My Child Always Exaggerate?

› What Is a Sensory Diet and How Do I Build One at Home?

Daily Life and Family

Practical guidance for home, homework, friendships, and the school relationship.

› What Is Stimulation Seeking and Should I Stop My Child From Doing It?

› Why Does My Child Act Fine at School but Fall Apart at Home?

› Why Is It Impossible for Me and My Partner to Be on the Same Page When Raising Our Neurodiverse Child?

› Why Is Schoolwork and Homework So Painful for My Child?

› How Do I Help My Neurodivergent Child Make Friends?

› How Do I Talk to My Child's Teacher About Their Neurodivergent Profile?

Medical and Complex Diagnoses

Understanding the conditions that often appear alongside ADHD and ASD and require specialist evaluation.

› What Is PANS and PANDAS? A Guide for Parents

› Does My ADHD Child Also Have OCD? What Parents Need to Look For

School and Advocacy

Knowing your rights and navigating the school system with confidence and clarity.

› What Is a 504 Plan vs. an IEP? Which Does My Child Need?

› How Do I Advocate for My Neurodivergent Child at School Without Burning Bridges?

When ADHD Goes Unaddressed

Understanding what can emerge when early support is delayed, and what to do now.

› Why Does My ADHD Child Also Have Anxiety?

› Why Does My ADHD Child Seem Depressed?

› From ADHD to Emotional Crisis: Understanding the Path From Dysregulation to Borderline Features in Young People

Contact:

ClaytonBlaine@gmail.com or text 310-497-0088

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Offices Locations:

Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel and Westlake Village

Parent Guides: Understanding Your Neurodivergent Child