Establishing routines
Creating consistent, supportive routines can make a world of difference for neurodiverse children, and for you as a parent. While every child is unique, structure and predictability often help reduce anxiety, increase independence, and support smoother transitions throughout the day. This section is designed to help you build and maintain routines that work for your child’s needs, preferences, and pace of life. Whether you’re navigating mornings, mealtimes, bedtime, or school transitions, we offer practical tools and tips to make everyday life feel more manageable.
Morning and evening routines
In this video, Claire Lewis, Assistant Psychologist, at The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, explores strategies for implementing supportive routines for neurodiverse children and young people. In the supporting article, we highlight further strategies and advice for supporting your neurodivergent child’s morning and evening routine.
Daily routine calendar
Our daily routine calendar is designed to encourage and establish supportive routines for neurodiverse children.
Supporting smooth transitions
For neurodivergent children, leaving the house can feel overwhelming at times. This can be exacerbated when the day lacks structure or predictability. It is important to incorporate routines, set clear expectations, and offer consistent support. Read our supporting article to learn more.
Supporting hygiene
Helping your child develop healthy hygiene habits can be a gradual journey—especially when sensory sensitivities, routines, or communication challenges come into play. This section is here to support you with practical strategies that make personal care more approachable, manageable, and even enjoyable. Whether you're focusing on toilet training, dental care, or hair washing, our goal is to help you meet your child where they are—without judgment or stress. With the right tools and understanding, even small steps can lead to lasting progress.
Managing toileting
In this article, Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director from Ideas Afresh, will explore the differences in the extensive sensory, social, physical and emotional arena of toileting that are likely to influence success in navigating toileting.
Dental hygiene
This article, written by Laura Oliver, Senior Occupational Therapist from our Group, explores top tips and advice for supporting your child with the task.
Bath time
In this article, we explore top tips and ideas to create a predictable, sensory-friendly bath time to support your child.
Managing mealtimes
Mealtimes can be a source of connection, but for many families with neurodiverse children, they can also bring challenges. Sensory sensitivities, food preferences, routines, and anxiety around eating can all affect how mealtimes unfold.
This section offers gentle, practical support to help you create a calm and positive mealtime environment that works for your child and your family.
Managing mealtimes
Mealtimes, expectations, food preferences, sensory experiences, all look unique in every home. In this video article, Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director from Ideas Afresh, will explore how you can support your child and young person during mealtimes.
Choice board
Helping neurodiverse children feel confident and in control during mealtimes can make all the difference. Our downloadable Food Choice Board is designed to do just that, by offering a simple, visual way for children to make food choices that suit their preferences and sensory needs.
Sensory play and stimming
Stimming and sensory play are essential for healthy development, particularly for neurodivergent children. These types of behaviours and actions are often misunderstood but play a key role in helping children to self-regulate, process sensory information, and express themselves. In this article, we share top tips and recommendations to support repetitive play, stimming, and other sensory seeking activities.
Navigating bedtime
In this video, Helen Rutherford, Lead Practitioner at The Sleep Charity, shares practical strategies for winding down before bedtime, creating a sensory-friendly sleep environment, and managing a consistent and calming bedtime routine.
Night time anxiety
Here, Claire Lewis, Assistant Psychologist at The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, explores tips for supporting your child’s night time anxiety.
Bed time strategies
In this article, we explore supportive strategies to help you create a calmer bedtime routine that works for your child.