Tips on Being an Autistic Parent

Parenting is hard. It’s one of those universal constants, like water being wet or grass being green. And being neurodivergent can add an extra layer of tricky to the whole thing. So what can you do?

Speaking from a wealth of experience as both a mental health expert and an autistic parent, Pooky Knightsmith guides you through the joys and challenges of raising children in a neurotypical world. From self-care and special interests to meltdowns and managing conflict, the tips and strategies in this book will help you to build a positive relationship with your child, whether they’re neurotypical or neurodivergent, all while looking after your own mental health.

Always authentic, always practical, sometimes funny, and never judgemental, this book is an essential read for ADHD and neurodivergent parents (and future parents!) looking for advice from someone who’s been there and made it work.

Pooky Knightsmith has a PhD in child mental health from the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. She is the author of several books, and is a former chair of the Children and Young People’s Mental Health Coalition and a managing director at Creative Education. Pooky is autistic; a late diagnosis has helped her to thrive following many years of anorexia, depression and anxiety. She has a YouTube channel which is a source of Continuing Professional Development for many educators in the UK and beyond.