By Siyona Varghese Flexible thinking is an essential life skill that allows children to adapt, problem solve, and cope with unexpected situations. However, flexibility does not develop through pressure or sudden change. For many children, especially young or neurodiverse children, forced change can increase anxiety and resistance rather than resilience. Supporting flexible thinking requires patience, […]
By Siyona Varghese Routines play a powerful role in a child’s development, shaping how they understand the world, manage emotions, and feel secure in their environment. While routines may seem simple or repetitive on the surface, they provide deep cognitive and emotional support, especially for young and neurodiverse children. Predictable patterns help children feel safe, […]
By Siyona Varghese Emotional vocabulary is the foundation of emotional regulation, social connection, and self understanding. For children with communication differences, expressing feelings can be challenging, even when emotions are deeply felt. When children lack the words to describe their inner experiences, emotions often emerge through behavior instead. Supporting emotional language development helps children feel […]
By Siyona Varghese Many neurodiverse children experience the world more intensely than others. Sounds may feel louder, lights brighter, textures uncomfortable, and emotions heavier. While these heightened experiences are not flaws, they can quickly lead to overwhelm if a child does not yet have the tools to regulate their nervous system. Understanding sensory overload and […]
By Siyona Varghese When young children experience emotional outbursts, adults often label them as “tantrums.” However, not all emotional explosions are the same. For many children especially neurodiverse children what looks like a tantrum may actually be a meltdown. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for responding with empathy, effectiveness, and appropriate support. […]
By Siyona Varghese Neurodiverse children including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other learning differences are often viewed through a lens of challenges and deficits. Much of the conversation around neurodiversity focuses on what children struggle with: attention, behavior, communication, or academic performance. However, this narrow focus can cause us to miss something important. […]
By Siyona Varghese Emotional development is a key part of childhood, shaping how children understand their feelings, respond to challenges, and build relationships. For neurodiverse children, emotional development often follows a different path. These differences are not signs of emotional weakness or delay, but reflections of how their brains process information, sensory input, and social […]
By Siyona Varghese Every child learns in a unique way. Some children absorb information through words, others through movement, visuals, patterns, or repetition. Neurodiversity is the concept that these differences in how the brain functions are natural variations of human development, not deficits. Understanding neurodiversity helps parents and educators support children in ways that honor […]
