The Power of Community – Supporting Neurodivergent Families

Parenting is a journey filled with highs, lows, and unexpected turns. For neurodivergent families, this journey often comes with unique challenges that require not just individual resilience but the unwavering support of a strong community.

In a recent episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, I had the pleasure of speaking with Khadija Blah, a passionate advocate for neurodivergent families, to discuss the vital role that community plays in navigating life’s complexities.

Why Community Matters

Coming from an Indigenous, collective culture, Khadija emphasised that community is everything. “Without community, you are nothing,” she shared. Having a network of support creates a safe space where families can share their stories, celebrate victories, and weather the storms together.

Whether it’s helping a friend through a tough day or stepping in when unexpected challenges arise, community provides the backbone for resilience. Khadija described a day when her son had a seizure at school. The panic set in, but her community immediately stepped up: people called to check in, helped rearrange her schedule, and even organised food deliveries. “That’s the power of community,” she said. “It allows you to keep going.”

Holding Space for the Highs and Lows

Life as a parent—especially of neurodivergent children—can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you’re celebrating your child’s success at a sports day, and the next, you’re dealing with an emergency. But as Khadija beautifully put it, “Resilience comes through collectives.”

A true community isn’t just there for the struggles; it’s also there to recognise the everyday victories—those small yet significant moments that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s making it to a school event despite mobility challenges or simply having someone acknowledge the effort it takes to get through the day, being seen and supported makes all the difference.

Advocacy as a Collective Effort

Beyond personal support, community is also key to advocacy. The struggles faced by neurodivergent families are often systemic—whether it’s accessibility issues at schools or a lack of understanding in workplaces. When individuals share their experiences and rally together, they can drive meaningful change.

Khadija emphasised that advocacy is more than just speaking up for oneself. It’s about passing the mic to others, ensuring that voices that need to be heard are given space. “Support might not come from the people you expect,” she noted, urging us to be open to finding community in unexpected places.

Building an Inclusive Community

So, how do we foster a stronger, more inclusive community? Here are some key takeaways:

• Acknowledge the need for help – Accepting support doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human.

• Create safe spaces for sharing – Whether in person or online, community is about feeling safe, valued, and understood.

• Advocate for change together – Collective voices are stronger and can push for the necessary improvements in society.

• Be open to unexpected connections – Support can come from anyone who shares your values, even if they don’t share your background.

At its heart, community is about showing up—for yourself and for others. Whether it’s a chat group, a group of friends, or an entire advocacy movement, the right community can turn challenges into opportunities for growth, connection, and change.