Parenting different – Raising your neurodivergent children to be their authentic awesome selves!
by Sarah Hayden
Description
“Parenting different”
Talk by Sarah Hayden, Social Worker & Author of Parenting Different.
Sarah is also an adoptive mum of 2 children through intercountry adoption and fostered 55 children over a period of 5 years
This extended talk offers a deep, neuro-affirming understanding of neurodivergence, drawing from the insights and lived experiences captured in Parenting Different by Sarah Hayden. Grounded in social work practice and real-world case studies, this session invites educators, parents, and professionals to rethink what it means to support neurodivergent children—not by trying to “fix” them, but by recognising and respecting their natural variation.
The talk explores common neurodivergent experiences—such as sensory differences, emotional regulation challenges, and the need for routine or movement—through a lens of curiosity and compassion. It challenges deficit-based models and instead offers a strengths-focused perspective, celebrating the unique ways neurodivergent brains learn, connect, and communicate.
Participants will gain practical strategies to better understand behaviour as a form of communication, and to create environments where neurodivergent children feel safe, seen, and supported. Through real-life stories, interactive reflection, and a bit of humour, Sarah creates a warm and empowering space for learning and unlearning.
This extended talk is especially valuable for schools, parent groups, and organisations looking to shift from awareness to meaningful inclusion. It will leave participants not only better informed, but also more confident and hopeful about what’s possible when we truly honour difference.
Because parenting—and teaching—different, starts with thinking different.
Session details
Talk by Sarah Hayden, Social Worker & Author of Parenting Different.
Sarah is also an adoptive mum of 2 children through intercountry adoption and fostered 55 children over a period of 5 years
This extended talk offers a deep, neuro-affirming understanding of neurodivergence, drawing from the insights and lived experiences captured in Parenting Different by Sarah Hayden. Grounded in social work practice and real-world case studies, this session invites educators, parents, and professionals to rethink what it means to support neurodivergent children—not by trying to “fix” them, but by recognising and respecting their natural variation.
The talk explores common neurodivergent experiences—such as sensory differences, emotional regulation challenges, and the need for routine or movement—through a lens of curiosity and compassion. It challenges deficit-based models and instead offers a strengths-focused perspective, celebrating the unique ways neurodivergent brains learn, connect, and communicate.
Participants will gain practical strategies to better understand behaviour as a form of communication, and to create environments where neurodivergent children feel safe, seen, and supported. Through real-life stories, interactive reflection, and a bit of humour, Sarah creates a warm and empowering space for learning and unlearning.
This extended talk is especially valuable for schools, parent groups, and organisations looking to shift from awareness to meaningful inclusion. It will leave participants not only better informed, but also more confident and hopeful about what’s possible when we truly honour difference.
Because parenting—and teaching—different, starts with thinking different.
Session details
- Duration: 45 minutes (plus additional time for Q&A)
- Format: In-person (preferred where possible) or online.
- Audience: Parents & Caregivers
Details
Audience
Parents/caregivers
Duration
45 minutes