The Neurodiverse Child with Christopher Scott Wyatt

What are some common challenges that parents face when raising a neurodiverse child, specifically related to sensory sensitivities? What are the benefits of having a diagnosis for both the individual and their family?

Christopher Wyatt joins us to share his experiences, challenges, and strategies in raising his own neurodiverse children, as well as providing valuable advice and understanding for all parents navigating similar paths. Stay tuned for an episode that is bound to broaden your perspectives and leave you with valuable takeaways.

In this episode, you will:

1. Gain insights into the sensory sensitivities and challenges faced by neurodiverse children, specifically those with autism.
2. Learn about the importance of understanding and addressing sensory needs, including food aversions, to better support neurodiverse children.
3. Understand the benefits of having a diagnosis, such as ADHD or autism, in terms of advocating for your child’s needs and accessing support systems.
4. Explore the challenges neurodiverse individuals face in social situations and how they can affect their academic and professional lives.
5. Discover the importance of researching and finding the right educational environment for your neurodiverse child, as well as the need for increased father involvement in K12 education.

Title: The Neurodiverse Child with Christopher Scott Wyatt

Introduction
Hey there, dads! Welcome back to another episode of Great Dad Talks. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Christopher Scott Wyatt, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, as we dived into the intricacies of understanding and supporting our neurodiverse children. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some key takeaways from our conversation, so grab a cup of coffee, and let’s get started!

Understanding Sensory Sensitivities and Food Aversion
“Sensory sensitivities can be overwhelming for autistic children and may lead to behaviors like removing clothes or refusing specific foods,” shares Christopher. As parents, it’s important to observe and identify triggers for sensory sensitivities. Here are a few tips I’ve learned from our discussion:

• Pay attention to your child’s reactions to certain textures, sounds, or sensations.
• Respect their preferences and provide alternatives that are more comfortable for them.
• Avoid dismissing their sensory needs as picky behavior. These sensitivities are real and valid.

Embracing Neurodiverse Labels
Christopher’s journey with ADHD and autism has given him unique insights into parenting his own neurodiverse children. He believes that having a diagnosis has provided benefits that can’t be overlooked. Here’s what he had to say:
“The labels of ADHD and autistic have actually helped me in parenting, as I can better understand and advocate for my children’s needs.” So, if you’re unsure about a diagnosis for your child, consider the following advantages:

• It opens doors to medical treatment, interventions, and support services.
• It allows for better communication with teachers and active participation in IEP meetings.
• It helps you better understand your child’s struggles and adaptations, leading to more effective support.

Navigating Social Challenges
Christopher candidly shared his struggles in social situations and how it has impacted his career in academia. Many neurodiverse individuals, like him, find socializing daunting and overwhelming. Here’s some advice from Christopher:

• Get to know your child’s strengths and challenges in social situations.
• Encourage small, achievable steps in building social skills.
• Recognize and respect their boundaries when it comes to socializing.

Finding the Right School for Your Neurodiverse Child
When it comes to education, Christopher and his spouse have chosen charter schools for their children. Here are a few key considerations when finding the right school for your own neurodiverse child:

• Research and talk to other parents to find schools that meet your child’s unique needs.
• Look for schools that offer specialized support, such as academic challenges, behavioral issues, or language barriers.
• Seek out schools that prioritize individualized education and understand the importance of support systems.

Advocating for Your Child’s Needs
One of the recurring themes in our conversation was the significance of advocacy for your child’s needs. Christopher stressed the importance of both parents actively participating in their child’s education. Here’s some practical advice for effective advocacy:

• Attend meetings with prepared notes and areas of concern.
• Focus on 1 or 2 concerns at a time, to ensure they are well-addressed.
• If possible, have two parents or advocates present to prevent being talked over and ensure all questions are answered.
• Single parents can seek assistance from advocates from autism or dyslexia groups.

The Power of Diagnostic Labeling
Christopher acknowledged that obtaining a diagnostic label for your child can be a challenging and sometimes costly process. However, the benefits it can bring should not be overlooked. Here’s what he shared:
“A diagnostic label can open doors for medical treatment, interventions, and support services.” So, keep the following in mind:

• Diagnostic testing may not always be covered by insurance or offered by schools, but it’s worth exploring the options.
• A diagnosis can qualify your child for individualized education programs or 504 plans, ensuring they receive the necessary support.
• Consider whether adults in the family who suspect they may have similar traits should also consider evaluation and seeking support.

Conclusion
Understanding and supporting our neurodiverse children requires patience, empathy, and a commitment to advocating for their unique needs. As dads, we have the incredible opportunity to empower our children and help them thrive. I hope this blog post has given you some valuable insights and strategies for navigating this journey. Join us next time on Great Dad Talks, where we’ll be exploring new and exciting topics. Until then, stay tuned and keep being the amazing dad that you are!

About Christopher Scott Wyatt

Writer/Educator

Christopher is a devoted father, advocate for neurodiversity, and someone with a deep understanding of the experiences faced by both autistic individuals and those with ADHD. His personal journey as an autistic parent has given him a wealth of knowledge and insights into the neurodiverse child.