What Parents of Neurodivergent Kids Need to Hear | Episode 69 with Eileen Devine

Eileen Devine is a clinical social worker, parent coach, consultant, trainer, and mom to a teenager with neurobehavioral differences. We sit down with Eileen to talk honestly about what parenting neurodivergent kids really looks like, especially when behaviors are misunderstood as “won’t” instead of “can’t.” We unpack the shift from blame to skill-building, why compassion matters so much for parents, and how lived experience changes the way we support families navigating complex neurobehavioral challenges.We also dive into the parent experience itself, including disenfranchised grief, trauma, resilience versus grit, and the concept of windows of tolerance for both kids and caregivers. This conversation validates how hard this work can be and offers a grounded, human framework for understanding behavior through a brain-first lens. Be sure to check out Eileen’s website, https://www.eileendevine.com/, and her podcast, Brain First Parenting with Eileen Devine, to learn more about her approach and continue the conversation. Join Dr. Lauren LaRose, psychiatrist and mom of three, as she brings on experts in mental health, physical health and education and explores ideas outside the traditional medical model. The Little Brain Campaign aims to make issues kids and caregivers face easier to understand, while always keeping in mind that we need to look beyond the usual answers to find what really works.Follow The Little Brain CampaignInstagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thelittlebraincampaign/⁠