Eps 485: Parenting neurodiverse kids of color with Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral

My guests today are Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral. Jaya and Priya have a lot in common, including being the co-authors of their new book, “Parenting at the Intersections.” This is a deeply emotional topic for them, both personally and professionally.  

Many people are discussing the experience of neurodivergence, and many people are discussing being a person of color, but where are the resources for neurodivergent people of color? Jaya and Priya have so much wisdom to share, from asking for what your child needs until they get it, what people who aren’t raising neurodivergent children of color need to know, and why & how to be there for all kids, not just your kid. 

We dig deep into how we can expand our definition of what’s “normal,” so that we can be less judgmental, especially when there are systems in place working against that, and how hard it can be for adolescents to find their strengths when we are so focused on deficits.  

Takeaways from the show

• How do you hold the feedback about your child from their school? 
• How do you make it work when public school is the only option? 
• Asking for what you or your child(ren) needs until you get it 
• Checking your biases
• What do people who aren’t raising neurodivergent children of color need to know? 
• Being curious, empathetic, & compassionate 
• Being in it for all kids, not just your kid 
• Expanding our definition of “normal” so we can be less judgmental 
• Moving away from neurotypical expectations, narratives, & timelines 
• Holding that space for our child(ren) when they show up differently

For more show notes, including transcripts, visit our website here.

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