Photo by Natasha Hall

When Sara’s son, Lucas, was diagnosed with autism at age three, the world went quiet. The school system gave her more labels than solutions. One educator even suggested Lucas might “never read or write like the other kids.” However Sara believed otherwise. She decided to homeschool.

At first, it was hard. Lucas would avoid eye contact and barely spoke. Slowly, Sara began to notice that when lessons were based on his interests, cars, building blocks, and sound patterns he would be happy.

Today, Lucas is ten. He writes short stories, solves puzzles faster than most neurotypical children his age. Sometimes he helps his mom teach other families how to customize learning at home.

Sara’s story is not rare. It is one of thousands shared through the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), which reports that students with special needs often show greater emotional and academic progress in inclusive homeschool settings than in traditional inclusion settings.

What changed for Lucas? The answer is simple yet powerful.

Inclusion at home.

The Problem Most Parents Face

If you are reading this, you have felt that pain too. Maybe it came after a diagnosis, or during a meeting where educators talked ‘about’ your child, but not ‘to’ or ‘with’ them.

Many parents of neurodiverse children feel stuck. You want to do what is best, but it seems like no one hands you a clear roadmap.

You have probably asked yourself “Can I really teach my children?”“What if I fail them?”

Let me tell you something important.

You have come this far, and that is what makes you a hero parent.

Where Belonging Becomes the Foundation for Growth

Inclusion doesn’t mean forcing your child to fit into someone else’s box. It means ‘designing the box around your child’.

Homeschooling offers that flexibility. It lets you teach in a way that matches how your child learns best.

Guess what?

Studies show that children with learning differences in inclusive homeschool settings often experience:

• Greater confidence
• Better retention
• Stronger family bonds
• Emotional safety that leads to academic progress

(Source: NHERI.org and Coalition for Responsible Home Education)

You may not have the formal qualifications to teach, but with the right support, you can design an individualized curriculum for your child.

A New Way Forward

Photo by Bianca Naira

How would you feel to witness the mornings without anxiety, bullying or meltdowns?

If lessons are built around what your child loves. Progress will be measured by joy, not just scores.

You sit with your child at the kitchen table. You guide them through math using their favorite snacks. You read books together, act out the characters, and laugh.You are not only teaching, they are learning.

That’s inclusion in action.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

As a hero parent, you are already your child’s best advocate. Even heroes need guidance.

That’s the beauty of this journey, you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

There is a growing community of educators, specialists, and fellow parents who believe in inclusion and are walking this path too. There are tools, insights, and real stories that can help you shape a home where your child feels safe, nurtured, loved, and supported.

You already have the heart. Now build the way forward.

Inclusion Begins With You

Inclusion is not a strategy, it’s a belief. It is the belief that every child can learn, that home is the safest place to grow, and that you are the best person to guide them.

You can start today. Not with perfection, but with presence.

You are homeschooling. You are building a life where your child belongs. You are giving your child techniques to develop independence.

As a parent, where do you believe your neurodivergent child thrives best-through inclusion at home or-in a traditional school setting?

We would love to hear your story in the comments.

Sources:* National Home Education Research Institute https://www.nheri.org

Coalition for Responsible Home Education https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/

In 2020, a mother named Teisha Glover shared a brave story. Her son Nicholas, then 16, wrote a book called ‘Davis Speaks: A Brother with Autism’. He shared what it is like to grow up with his brother Davis, who has autism https://sparkforautism.org

Nicholas said his world changed the day his brother arrived. He felt proud and protective. He also felt confused. At school, at friends’ houses, he never knew how to explain why Davis did things differently.

His mother helped, and encouraged Nicholas to write about his feelings. She talked to him openly. Eventually, Nicholas found his voice. He became an advocate. He became a hero for his brother and for himself.

If you’re raising a neurodivergent child and have neurotypical children, that story might sound familiar. You know the mix. The love, confusion, and the guilt feelings.

You ask yourself:

How do I help my neurotypical children support and truly understand their neurodivergent siblings?

Why Your Role Makes a Big Difference

Your neurotypical child isn’t just a bystander. They grow alongside. They learn empathy, and carry the family story forward.

Yet without help, they can feel lost. They worry, and feel unseen.

Your role is powerful. You’re the guide of your neurotypical children to understand and support their neurodivergent sibling. Your words in addition will shape their hearts and actions.

These are 4 Ways to Guide Your Neurotypical Children

• Tell the Story Together: Use tools like Davis Speaks. Read it together. Talk about how Nicholas felt proud, confused, and brave. Show your children that mixed feelings are okay.
• Give Age-Appropriate Info: Explain autism or Down syndrome clearly. Tell them what it means. Let them ask questions. This strategy builds trust and understanding. Emily Holl of the Sibling Support Project says honest info helps kids feel safe.
• Create One-on-One Time: Schedule special moments with each child. It could be 15 quiet minutes before bed, a walk, or a puzzle. These times show your neurotypical child, “You matter, and we are on this journey together.”
• Empower Their Role: You can give your neurotypical child small, age-appropriate responsibilities, like handing over items during therapy, or helping with simple routines. Praise their efforts and remind them that their support brings comfort, kindness, and connection to the family. Let them know they’re making a big difference by helping you.

What You Will See as a Change

Photo by Efe

Confident children who know their roles matter. They exhibit more empathy and understanding at school, home, and with friends. They develop stronger sibling bonds, built on respect and care.

When you do this, you’re not only helping two children but also you’re building a family that grows in empathy and strength.

Hear what a renowned therapist has to say

According to Dr. Stephanie Stoll, a well-respected child psychologist, siblings of children with special needs or neurodiversity often experience “mixed feelings of love, worry, and even resentment”, but can also develop compassion, patience, and loyalty when their emotions are supported and validated. http://birminghamparent.com

This blog highlights both the emotional challenges and growth opportunities for neurotypical children and neurodivergent siblings, and families. It reinforces why guiding them matters.

Let your neurotypical children know, being a sibling to a neurodivergent child means learning and growing together.

Special notes:

Neurodivergent refers to children whose brain functions differ from what is considered typical. This includes people with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurological differences.

Neurotypical describes children whose brain development and functioning are considered typical or standard in society.

Do you know of another way to guide a neurotypical child in supporting their neurodivergent sibling? Kindly share with us in the comment section.