When school becomes overwhelming and unsafe for a neurodivergent child, families can find themselves in incredibly challenging situations—feeling lost, overwhelmed, and alone. The pressure to “fix” their child can stir up painful thoughts and feelings, all while parents are already stretched to the limit.

In this episode of Neuro-affirming care in hard times, host Stacey Innes is joined by neurodivergent counsellor and trauma therapist Jade Farrington for a compassionate, reality-honouring conversation about what families are really facing when school is no longer safe.

Together, they explore neuronormativity and the harm caused when children are expected to conform to systems that don’t meet their needs. Jade shares why a neuro-affirming approach is especially vital for children who have experienced trauma, burnout, or a loss of safety—and how shifting away from “fixing” towards understanding can help rebuild trust, regulation, and connection.

The conversation offers reassurance to families who feel isolated and overwhelmed, alongside gentle, practical ideas that can be woven into everyday life to support safety and joy at home. Above all, this episode reminds parents that they are not failing—and that becoming a neuro-affirming parent can be a powerful, compassionate act of care in the hardest of times.