Young Families Parenting Workshop
June 24, 2025
Supporting Your Neurodiverse Young Adult Children
July 9, 2025Workshop for Parents of Neurodiverse Young Adults
By Carol S. Siege, PCC
Founder, Family Pathways Coaching, LLC
Every parent knows the adage “Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems.” Some may agree, while others believe the saying trivializes the challenges our little ones may present. What’s clear, though, is that when our kids enter young adulthood, we cannot force them to do anything. We can suggest, advise, encourage. But we cannot require our young adult children to eat healthy foods, turn off the screens, write a thank you letter after a job interview.
When our young adult children are neurodiverse, the issues families face can feel more potent. We consider our children’s ability to live independently, to care for themselves, to feel productive and live meaningful lives. We worry whether they will have someone to share their lives with and what will happen when we – their parents and sometimes sole relationships – are no longer around to provide subsidy and succor.
Questions arise regarding a parent’s role, too. What is the difference between support and control? When do we step in, and when must we stay out of a decision? What does trust look like? And when is championing our children encouraging, and when is it aggravating?
Over and over, I hear from parents about the quandary of watching their adult children flounder and not knowing how to help. Of feeling both triggered by their children’s inaction or defeated and saddened by it.
That’s why I am developing workshops to support parents whose neurodiverse young adult children are struggling.
Consider joining one of these groups if you are worried that your children are capable of living independently but are not able to make the leap; if they have the ability for employment but are unable to hold a job; if they are able to communicate with others but have trouble forming healthy relationships. Join one of these groups to help feel connected to a supportive community and to learn strategies for growth.
If you’re interested in joining a workshop, or if you know someone who may benefit from participating, reach out today at carol@familypathways.com.
Topics may include:
Social Life and Relationships
- Isolation or loneliness: Fear that our children will struggle to make friends or maintain social connections.
- Romantic relationships: Worries about our children navigating dating, intimacy, and consent in a safe and healthy way.
- Being taken advantage of: Concerns about vulnerability to manipulation, exploitation, or abuse.
Mental Health
- Anxiety, depression, or burnout: These often emerge or intensify in young adulthood, especially under stress or change.
- Lack of access to proper support: Adult mental health services may not be well-equipped for neurodiverse needs.
Independence and Daily Living
- Will they be able to live independently?
Parents worry about our children's ability to manage finances, cook, clean, navigate public transportation, and make medical decisions. - Executive functioning struggles may make even basic independence difficult.
Employment and Financial Security
- Finding and maintaining a job: Concerns about whether our children can find meaningful, accommodating work—and if workplaces will be understanding.
- Discrimination or bias: Fear that neurodiversity will be misunderstood or stigmatized by employers.
