"Everything you've ever wanted to know about parenting (and celebrating!) your neurodivergent child from parenting expert, social worker and mother of five Sarah Hayden.
'This is the book l wish l'd had when my daughter Chloe was diagnosed autistic. The book l wish l'd had when l was parenting any of my children as they faced challenges or didn't fit the ""norm"". I've written it for every parent who wants to encourage and affirm their children for who they are, not who they're meant to be.' - Sarah Hayden
Parenting can be hard. Parenting a neurodivergent child in a neurotypical world can be even harder. But know you are not alone - all the reassurance, guidance and support you need is right here. Sarah Hayden, social worker, mother and neurodivergent human herself, helps you unlearn everything you thought you needed to know about parenting neurodivergent kids. Covering diagnosis, family life, siblings, schooling, puberty, therapy, food, peer relationships and so much more, Sarah provides new ideas and practical tools on how to support your child to be their best and most authentic self. Equipped with both professional expertise and hard-earned learnings from her own parenting journey, she also shares the story of her daughter Chloe Hayden's autism and ADHD diagnoses and how that transformed her expectations and parenting. There are insights from Chloe herself, Q&As addressing the questions Sarah is most commonly asked by parents and Sarah's own story of adult diagnosis.
With warmth, humour and just a little bit of sparkle, Parenting Different shows you how to help your neurodivergent child not just survive but thrive in a neurotypical world."
About the Author
Sarah Hayden is a qualified social worker and equine-assisted psychotherapist, and Mayor of Golden Plains Shire. Sarah's professional expertise focuses on autism, neurodivergence, adoption, fostering and complex family dynamics. She is also mum to five amazing kids, including world-renowned actor, author and autism advocate Chlo Hayden, and her youngest two were adopted through intercountry adoption from Taiwan. Sarah and her husband have also fostered 55 children and, as a dedicated volunteer, Sarah has counselled refugees and asylum seekers. She also provides emotional support and psychological first aid to disaster-affected people particularly during bushfire seasons. Sarah is neurodivergent herself, having finally (and not surprisingly) been diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 48.
Industry Reviews
'You can't have my mum, but you can have her book! Let her show you how to be the warrior your child needs.' - Chloe Hayden, actor and bestselling author of Different, Not Less
'Parents of neurodivergent children couldn't be in better hands than with this remarkable book. Reading Sarah's words feels like a warm hug - filled with encouragement, compassion, practical advice and invaluable strategies. With her unique blend of humour, honesty and heartfelt passion, Sarah has crafted an essential resource for parents navigating the neurodivergent journey, both today and for years to come.' - Sharon Witt, bestselling author, educator and fellow neurosparkly gal
'With great practical advice, Sarah lovingly helps the reader understand the neurodivergent world in a way that is kind, non-judgemental and incredibly relatable. Revealing her own truths made me feel inspired and seen. It's like listening to a trusted friend. I know she's in my corner, and she'll be in your corner too.' - Yvie Jones, podcast host and actor
'As someone who has devoted years to exploring the nuanced experiences of autistic individuals and championing neurodivergent voices, I recognise the importance of resources that genuinely resonate with and reflect our community. This book offers insights that feel both familiar and affirming, echoing many of the values and perspectives that Yellow Ladybugs has long advocated for. I hope it will serve as a valuable companion for those on a journey towards greater understanding.' - Katie Koullas, founder and CEO, Yellow Ladybugs
