Neurodivergent Parents Parenting Neurodivergent Kids with Dr Celia Falchi

Today’s guest is ADHDer psychologist Dr. Celia Falchi. Celia works in private practice in Wellington, New Zealand. She works with predominantly neurodivergent clients across the lifespan, specialising in trauma work, and she engages in advocacy work within the profession, including being on the Education Committee for AADPA. Celia is also mum to two AuDHDer neurodivergent kids, who are 10 and 13 years old. In this episode Celia shares some personal details about her kids, and Celia’s kids have given their consent for these details to be shared.

In this episode we cover:

1. Celia’s personal journey with discovering her own neurodivergence in adulthood, and how her ADHD has affected different areas of her personal and professional life.
2. Juggling the emotions and needs of multiple different family members (including her own!).
3. The importance of “modelling humanity” as a parent, and showing that it’s OK to make mistakes.
4. The central importance of relationship and joyful connection when parenting, and approaching behavioural challenges with curiosity.
5. Supporting ND kids’ mental health as a parent, and the importance of belonging.
6. Advocating for and supporting your kids in the school system.

The book that Celia mentions is ‘Relationship Based Treatment of Children and their Parents; an integrative guide to neurobiology, attachment, regulation, and discipline’ by Elizabeth Sylvester and Kat Scherer.

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