The Small Language Shifts That Protect the Mental Health of Neurodivergent Kids What if some of the most common words we use with autistic and ADHD children are actually creating confusion, shame, masking and self-doubt? Words like: • Respectful • Responsible • Pay attention • Motivated • Trustworthy • Nice • Confident and on and on Most of us use these words every day without thinking twice. But for many neurodivergent children and teens, these words can feel vague, confusing, and impossible to understand. When children don't know exactly what is expected of them, they aren't learning the skill we hope to teach. Instead, they may begin to believe they are constantly getting things wrong. Over time, that misunderstanding can impact mental health, learning, and relationships. In this episode, I'm covering why and how commonly used words cause damage and how small shifts in communication can create more clarity, connection, safety, and understanding. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔ Why vague language creates confusion for autistic and ADHD children ✔ How words like "respectful," "responsible," and "motivated" can unintentionally hurt neurodivergent children ✔ The connection between communication, mental health, and emotional safety ✔ What many neurodivergent children are actually trying to communicate ✔ Specific language shifts that improve cooperation and understanding Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, psychologist, or someone who supports neurodivergent children and teens, this episode will help you communicate in ways that foster understanding instead of confusion and connection instead of shame. Because the goal isn't to make neurodivergent kids guess what we mean. The goal is to help them feel safe, understood, capable, and supported. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with another parent, educator, therapist, or psychologist who supports autistic and ADHD children and teens:) Thanks for joining me for this episode, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist Check out these resources! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis 🌟 3 Detailed Student Examples With Individualized Accommodations Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Join me in my Facebook Groups! ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here Learn about my private practice - North Carolina Center for Autism and ADHD 🙋🏻♀️ Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses: Holly Blanc Moses is an AuDHD psychologist with 28 years of experience. She is a speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses. About The Podcast The Autism ADHD Podcast is for parents and professionals who want a neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens — with a focus on emotional regulation, executive functioning, mental health, and connection.
