The Truth About Parenting Neurodivergent Kids (And Why You're Not Alone)

Ever feel like no one really gets what it’s like to parent a neurodivergent child? Children with ADHD or Autism have needs and so do their parents.

You’re not alone. In this episode of The Sendy Mom Podcast, I sit down with the hilarious and refreshingly real Marci Morrison, (@marcibmor) mom of seven amazing kids—two are on the autism spectrum and most of them have ADHD. Marci keeps it honest about the messy, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding reality of parenting differently-wired children. We talk about the grief parents don’t always admit, the importance of asking for help, and how to teach your kids to advocate for themselves. If you’ve ever felt unseen as a mom, this episode is your permission slip to feel your feelings and know you’re doing enough.

Meet my Guest:

Marci Morrison (@marcibmor) has spent her life serving others. Sacrificing for her family has been her mantra. Parenting 7 children, 2 with severe autism and most of the rest with ADHD, she has learned to give herself grace and not to sweat the small stuff. She is a colorful example of living a life filled with standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Having supported her husband in successful technology start-ups, they have been a team of support for their children in navigating difficult social situations, education, and mental self-advocacy. Marci is genuine, open, and not afraid to say it how it is. 

Chapters:

00:00 Aerospace, Mining, and Marketing: Introducing Marci Morrison

02:51 Diverse Path to Motherhood: Nannying, Infertility, Adoption

05:27 Responsibilities of Growing Up On a Farm in Upstate New York

08:48 Managing Stress in an Unbalanced Marriage

10:53 Managing Disappointment in Fertility

16:10 Health Challenges: Coping with Cancer and Covid Fears

18:56 Raising Neurodivergent Children

22:50 Balancing Being a Mom and Having a Career

28:06 Autism and ADHD: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

35:31 Unexpected Blessing of Covid: Family Time

38:25 Advocating for Neurodivergent Kids

43:43 Asking for Support: Your Circle of Excellence

45:38 Child Development: Recognizing When Something isn't Right

50:48 Autism and Shine Syndrome

01:03:37 All Things Work Together for Good

01:05:58 Building a Community for Special Needs

01:12:38 Rapid Fire Questions

Key Takeaways:

• Parenting neurodivergent kids comes with both grief and joy—it’s okay to feel both.
• You can ask for help and build a community; you don’t have to do this alone.
• Advocating for your child is powerful, but so is teaching them to advocate for themselves.
• Flexibility and humor are key survival tools in autism and ADHD parenting.
• It’s okay to grieve the expectations you once had for your child while fully loving who they are.
• Support circles (“your circle of excellence”) can make or break your parenting journey.
• Letting go of “sweating the small stuff” creates more peace at home.
• Resilience as a parent grows when you give yourself permission to be human.

Mentioned in the Show:

Please e-mail Becky at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering to help with producing this show

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