Championing Neurodiverse Kids: A Conversation That Matters

At our recent IRC seminar, Championing Neurodiverse Kids: Tips & Support, we gathered with parents, older adults, and caregivers at FiftyForward to have an open and honest conversation about the challenges—and incredible strengths—of raising and supporting neurodiverse children. Hosted in partnership with Lyttle Fox Therapy, this event was a space for learning, connection, and encouragement.

We were honored to have Sharon Lyttle (Occupational Therapist & Co-Owner of Lyttle Fox Therapy) and Deborah Nava (Mother of a Neurodiverse Child) lead the discussion. They didn’t just share information—they spoke with genuine care, offering practical strategies for families who face everyday challenges in accessing the resources their children need.

The Challenges Our Families Face

After the session, a mother came up to us, eager for more information, asking where to turn next. She shared that she doesn’t speak English fluently, making it overwhelming to navigate special education services and therapies. Without reliable transportation, attending evaluations, therapy appointments, or school meetings is even more difficult. The systems designed to support children often feel out of reach for the very families who need them most.

Sharon listened—and responded with practical advice:

• How to advocate for children at school, even with language barriers.

• Where to find local and online resources for neurodiverse kids.

• Simple strategies parents can use at home to support learning and emotional regulation.

In response to the language barrier, Sharon also provided practical handouts in Spanish, making sure families had tangible resources they could take home and use right away. We are also incredibly grateful to Zoraida, a member of Fifty Forward and a former MNPS translator, who volunteered to translate the seminar in real-time for Spanish-speaking attendees, ensuring everyone could participate fully and understand the valuable insights being shared.

We are so grateful to Sharon and Deborah for their time, wisdom, and compassion. Their words resonated deeply, and the families in our Language in Action program walked away feeling more informed, more empowered, and—most importantly—more supported.

Stay connected for future events, because these conversations matter.