After 2 back-to-back hurricanes (Helene and Milton) affected the west coast of Florida this past month, I feel compelled to capture some ideas for parents of neurodivergent kids in the hopes of providing some relief, peace, and centering. Natural disasters can be incredibly traumatic for everyone, but they can be especially challenging for kids with unique needs. Their unique sensory processing, emotional regulation, and communication styles can make coping with the aftermath of a disaster even more difficult.
Here are some tips to help support your neurodivergent kid after a natural disaster:
1. Create a Safe Space
Ensure your kid has a designated safe space that is quiet, comfortable, and free from clutter. This can be a bedroom, a corner of the living room, or even a tent set up indoors.
Make sure this space is well-lit and filled with familiar objects to provide a sense of security.
2. Maintain a Consistent Routine
As much as possible, try to stick to your kid's regular routine. This can provide a sense of normalcy and stability during a chaotic time. Even if it’s as simple as the morning and bedtime routine, that can make a big difference!
If your routine has been disrupted, try to re-establish it gradually.
3. Communicate Openly and Honestly:
Talk to your kid about what happened in a way that is age-appropriate and understandable.
Be honest about the situation, but avoid overwhelming them with too much information at once.
Encourage your kid to express their feelings and concerns.
4. Validate Their Emotions
It's important to acknowledge and validate your kid's feelings, even if they seem exaggerated or irrational.
Let them know that it's okay to feel scared, angry, or sad.
5. Provide Sensory Stimulation
Engage in activities that provide sensory stimulation, such as playing with sensory bins, listening to calming music, or taking a warm bath.
These activities can help regulate your kid's emotions and reduce anxiety.
6. Limit Screen Time
Excessive screen time can contribute to anxiety and stress.
Try to limit your kid's screen time, especially before bed.
7. Connect with Other Parents
Connecting with other parents who have kids with neurodivergence can provide support, understanding, and practical advice.
Look for local support groups or online communities. Inclusiveology has one HERE if you have specific questions or want to talk about some different ideas!
8. Take Care of Yourself
It's important to take care of yourself so that you can better care for your kid! After a disaster or trauma, that sure is hard…
Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, and find time for self-care (taking a walk, stretching, yoga, or breathwork and meditation).
9. Be Patient and Understanding
Remember that healing takes time. Be patient with your kid and understand that they may experience setbacks along the way.
Sometimes, these tips work for us, too! During Hurricane Milton, I made sure I had my favorite sweatshirt, coffee mug, and pillow. It often is the little things that can comfort us the most.
That… and amazing friends that took me in when I evacuated, awesome pugs that snuggled in, and my neighborhood and community that I was so happy to come home to!
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