Top 10 Resources for Parents of Neurodivergent Children: Books, Websites, and Tools You Should Know About

Sometimes it can be hard to locate the best resources for your neurodivergent children. There are so many books, websites, and tools around it is difficult to know which ones are worth your time. We wanted to take the guesswork out of all that searching and provide you with our most used (and most trusted) books, websites, and tools. So here are our top picks in each category!

Books

ADHD 2.0 is my most recent favorite book on the topic of ADHD. This is a follow up book to Driven to Distraction written by the same authors. It has up-to-date research, stories that will resonate with you, and practical advice with lifestyle hacks to help you or your child thrive with ADHD

How to ADHD is written by Jessica McCabe (she has a website and YouTube channel that are phenomenal too) and this genuine, easy to read book will give you insight into what it is like to have ADHD as a child and as an adult. She says, “The information and strategies I share in these chapters are meant to empower those with ADHD, enlighten and support the efforts of those who love someone with ADHD, and be helpful and insightful for anyone who is simply human.” 

Too Much: An Overwhelming Day is a sweet children’s book for ages 2-7 that speaks to those with sensory processing issues. During the day there are so many things that can trigger a child: a bright room, an itchy tag, too tight clothing, or loud noises. Told from the perspective of the child, the book shows what it's like becoming more and more unregulated and then what can be done to help regulate. 

A final book I wanted to make sure I mentioned was The Pivot . I have not read it yet, but it is on the very top of my list:  Just reading the description of the book makes me want to be a better person for my children. I am excited to get my hands on this book for sure!  

Websites

Jessica McCabe, from How to ADHD, has created some amazing videos that teach viewers how to navigate life with ADHD. Her explanations are clear, concise, and are enjoyable for both kids and adults alike. 

ADDitude Magazine has been around for 25 years and is a leading resource for those with neurodivergent minds as well as those who love them. And while the title implies that it is just for ADHD, there are articles relating to autism, sensory issues, twice exceptional children, and many others. This site is mostly for parents, professionals, and adults who love a neurodivergent person. I have, on numerous occasions, sent articles from this site to family and friends to help them understand my neurodivergent kids. 

Tools

This is a more difficult section to give a top rating to because everyone is unique and each diagnosis can be presented in various ways. You know your child best, so you want to make decisions on which tools are best given your child’s diagnosis. Is your child is a sensory seeker or a sensory avoider? Do they present as inattentive, hyperactive, or both? Are they Level 1, 2 or 3? 

With that in mind, here are the top tools that we are currently using that makes life with neurodivergent children just a bit easier. And of course, I added in one that I want to try out for myself and for my kids!

Visual Timer 

This timer is great because time is arbitrary and ambiguous. Now kids can see what 15 or 20 minutes actually looks like (up to 60 minutes on this timer) and feel empowered to complete tasks on time. We set our timers for everything and most of the time, it works!  

Chore Chart

We have tried sticker charts, lists, and post-it note grids and they all have gone by the wayside pretty quickly. This one has been a tried and true method and I am convinced it’s because it clicks when you move the slider from the X to the check mark. The divider makes it easy to split the day up into morning and evening routines. And they are earning points for each click for an easy, well loved reward. 

Learning Pods

While this is not a tool you can just order on Amazon, I have been so thankful for the learning pods that my kids are in at The Learning Nook. Having adults who know how to engage with my children, love them despite their quirks, and see huge potential in them has been invaluable to our family. I know not everyone can join a learning pod or co-op, but I do encourage you to find like-minded people who are willing to learn alongside you as you navigate this parenting journey.  

Push Peel

These just look super cool and I really want to try them for my kids. I can see them enjoying them while waiting at appointments, on a long plane or car ride, or just calming down after a dysregulation episode.

Hopefully these resources will help you locate the best resources for your neurodivergent children. We wanted to take the guesswork out of all that searching and provide you with our most used (and most trusted) books, websites, and tools. Let us know if you have tried any of these or if there are any other resources you love!

Stay Inspired!