This foster parent’s techniques for caring for a neurodiverse child can benefit children of all neurotypes!
TikToker Laura (@fosterparenting) is a busy foster parent and foster parent (someone who works with birth parents and child protection professionals to help reunite children with their biological families) which is dedicated to helping fellow foster parents by sharing “how-to tips and scripts” for raising neurodiverse and trauma children.
Are you coming home for the holidays? here is 4 things you need to do now
Recently Laura shared a video on TikTok where she illustrates the dos and don’ts of neurodiverse and trauma-informed parenting, and viewers have resonated deeply with the helpful techniques.
This stress-free party dish is perfect for whipping up at the last minute:
The clip begins with Laura surrounded by puzzles and toys in a playroom. “Okay, please clean up now,” she said. The clip comes with a demo of what not to do in the form of a red highlighted caption that says “Do not give complex tasks” flashing on the screen.
Laura interprets the best strategy in the following shot. “Please put the blocks in the white bin,” she says, pointing to the blocks and then the bin, specifically, concretely and directly according to the green legend on the screen.
Next, Laura emphasizes the importance of sticking to a schedule and not changing the routine, noting that this may require certain compromises, like leaving a place earlier than expected.
When sticking to a schedule, Laura also mentions that using visuals and playful transitions can help. “Okay, now that we’re home it’s time for a bath, some books, then bedtime.” Can we walk like robots to the bathroom? She asks using the robot’s hand gestures.
Laura also illustrates the importance of using multisensory learning techniques, such as asking a child what are the three “big, bigger and bigger” clay balls.
Last but not least, Laura shows how to deal with meltdowns by allowing emotional resets. Allowing the child to calm down will make discussing coping strategies with him more effective.
Laura’s video was not only hugely helpful for viewers, but it struck a chord as well.
“I’m crying. Clear, concise instructions on how to clean up would have avoided so much conflict in my childhood,” one user shared.
“I want to cry. It’s so calming to watch. Thank you,” said one grateful viewer.
“I’m not neurodivergent, but damn it if my mom did that my life would be so much easier. Vague instructions literally make me cry, ”one user said.
It is clear from the comments that these parenting techniques can be beneficial for people, regardless of their neurotype. Or, as one viewer put it, “It helps all the kids! “
Luka Sabbat on defying labels and doing your own thing: “Compatible for what?” “
In The Know is now available on Apple News – follow us here!
If you liked this story, check out what you need to know about the adoption process.
The foster parent partner shares techniques for neurodiverse children and children who have experienced trauma first appeared on In The Know.
More from In The Know:
Teach toddlers practical life skills with a fun pom pom sweep game: “Why didn’t I think about it?” “
Big-Hearted Mom Adopts 6 Kids With FASD, Goes Viral For Strict 5am Routine: “You Have To Be A Special Person To Do This”
Coach Outlet Hosts Huge Clearance Event, And Over 100 Styles Are 70% Off
Gen Z Can’t Get Enough Of These 4 Amazon Prime Video TV Shows & Movies