Parenting Neurodiverse Children: Tips from Therapist Kitty Hovatter LGMFT

In this episode of The Joy Factor, Julie Hanson sits down with Kristen “Kitty” Hovatter, aLicensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist, Navy veteran, and mother of threeneurodivergent teens.Kitty shares her personal and professional experience navigating neurodivergence in the family system and offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, and neurodivergentindividuals seeking support.We discuss:How to find the right therapist for your neurodivergent childWhat to look for in a consultationThe difference between therapy and parent coachingPractical strategies for communication and family harmonyReal wins from neurodivergent familiesKitty’s own “joy factor” and what keeps her groundedThis episode is for:Parents of neurodivergent childrenCaregivers navigating school systems (IEPs, 504s)Adults recently diagnosed with ADHD or autismAnyone seeking supportive, trauma-informed, non-judgmental therapyKey TakeawaysFinding the Right TherapistIf the connection isn’t there, ask for someone elseStart with a 15-minute consultationAsk questions like:“How often do you work with neurodivergent clients?”“How do you structure therapy for neurodivergent kids?”“Do you ask direct questions or rely on open-ended prompts?”What Makes Therapy Work for Neurodivergent ClientsConsistency and routineClear communicationReduced distractions in the environmentPlenty of choices without overwhelming the clientTherapy vs. CoachingTherapy focuses on emotional processing and building self-awareness.Coaching is practical and role-based, with role-play and real-life strategies.Biggest Wins for FamiliesThe moment communication clicksWhen parents and kids feel truly understoodWhen the family creates a shared languageWhen parents stop feeling like they’re “failing” and start seeing growthKitty’s Joy FactorKitty shares that her joy comes from:Baking for her familyThe smell of earth after rain (petrichor)Practicing radical acceptance and focusing on the next smallest stepRecommended ResourceKitty recommends “The Whole-Brain Child” for parents seeking tools to connect with theirneurodivergent children through gentle parenting.Want Support from Kitty?If you’re looking for neurodivergence-informed therapy or parent coaching in the state of Maryland, Kitty is accepting new clients at Inner Evolution.Learn more about Kitty here:https://inner-evolution.com/staff/kristen-kitty-hovatterSubscribe & ConnectIf you enjoyed this episode, please:SubscribeLeave a reviewShare with a friend who needs supportVisit: thejoyfactorpodcast.com