Resilient Caregiving for Neurodivergent Children

Resilient Caregiving for Neurodivergent Children is a supportive, neuroaffirming, and practical guide that helps caregivers protect their own well-being while managing the emotional and day-to-day challenges of raising a neurodivergent child. Grounded in evidence-based practices, this invaluable guide blends strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with real-life stories and clinical experience. Unlike many parenting resources that focus primarily on the child, this book places the caregiver's emotional health at the center of family well-being. Parents, caregivers, and guardians will learn how to make space for difficult emotions, such as shame and guilt, ease their overwhelm, and reconnect with their values while building sustainable self-care habits. Chapters include reflective exercises, illustrative case stories, sample scripts, as well as key takeaways to help readers find strength and build emotional resilience at different stages of their caregiving journey. This book offers essential resources to help caregivers prevent burnout and help their child-and themselves-thrive. Combining therapeutic tools with a lived understanding of neurodiversity, this book provides compassionate approaches to care and self-care for parents, guardians, and professionals alike.

Danielle L. Terry, PhD, ABPP, is an author, researcher, professor, and clinician. She is the founder of NeuroKind Consulting (neurokindconsulting.com). Her work is grounded in expertise and experience, informed by her role as caregiver to a neurodivergent child and her commitment to advancing compassionate, practical approaches to behavioral health. Katherine T. Fortenberry, PhD, is a clinical professor at the University of Utah and the director of behavioral health education for its Family Medicine Residency. She is an educator, researcher, and clinician whose work focuses on integrating mental health into primary care. Her professional expertise is informed by lived experience as a caregiver to a neurodivergent child; she brings both personal insight and a commitment to compassionate, practical approaches to supporting family well-being.

Preface Part I: You, Your Neurodivergent Child And The World 1. First Things First: Understanding ACT, CBT, And How To Use This Book 2. What Is Neurodivergence? 3. The Game Is Rigged: Making Space For Difficult Emotions Part II: Dealing With The Thoughts And Feelings Of Being A Caregiver 4. Challenging Thoughts And Reshaping Expectations For Yourself, Your Child, And Others 5. Guilt, Shame, And Compassion 6. Managing Communication And Setting Healthy Boundaries Part III: Building Your Team And Building Up Your Reserves 7. Finding Your Voice And Tapping Into Resources (Or Not!) 8. Building A Life And Identity Outside Your Child 9. Finding Your Last Nerve Part IV: Crafting Your Story 10. Strength In Similarity: Parenting Neurodivergent Children As A Neurodivergent Caregiver 11. Your Story Moving Forward