You may have noticed a few things that seem a bit different, like maybe the meltdowns seem bigger than the moment. The battle to get in the car. The same five foods on repeat. And then the doubt: is this just being a kid? or is this something more? In this episode Alison walks you through what early signs of neurodivergence actually look like in children under six, why they are so often missed, and the practical steps you can take this week without waiting for a diagnosis. This one is for parents, and it is also for educators who want to understand what families are carrying before they walk into the centre. What we cover: Why early identification changes the trajectory, not just the diagnosisWhy milestones are a guide only, and why late talkers and early walkers both muddy the pictureThe reason signs get explained away: "she's just shy", "all boys are like that", "he'll grow out of it"Why exhausted parents genuinely cannot see the pattern, and why that is not a failureSocial and communication signs: parallel play, intense interests, not responding to their nameSensory signs: seeking input, chewing, wriggling, strong reactions to hairbrushing and noiseEmotional regulation: meltdowns beyond what the situation called for, and why one incident is never the data pointTransitions, and why childcare is full of themAttention: the on or off nature of it, and what "not listening" actually looks like in a neurodiverse childDaily living: restricted foods, routine, sleepWhat to do this week: observe, take notes, book the educator meeting, book the GPThe exact questions to ask your child's educatorWhat to do if you feel dismissed by your GPInclusion support at childcare and how that process really worksAlison's take from the other side of the fence as a teacher and childcare centre co-ownerWhy lowering expectations and building decompression time matters more than any strategyKey takeaways: You are looking for a pattern, not an incident. Multiple settings, multiple behaviours, over time.Not everything leads to a label. Observing might tell you they are hungry, tired or teething.Awareness and understanding is half the battle. Learning what your child can and cannot do changes how you parent them immediately.Knowing what to do and actually doing it are two very different things, and that gap is not a character flaw.**Alison is not a medical professional. This episode is about observation and advocacy, not diagnosis. Connect with Alison: Find her on Instagram @ourndfamily_ for daily support for Neurodiverse families. Working with a family who needs more than a podcast episode? DM her the word PODCAST to start a conversation. Visit the Our Neurodiverse Family Website for more info
