How to be a Neuro-affirmative parent

In this CNA938 Rewind conversation, author Tan Hwee Peng invites parents and caregivers to see neurodiversity not as something to fix, but as something to cherish. Her book How To Be a Neuroaffirmative Parent is a gentle guide to raising children in ways that honour difference as natural, everyday, and essential to growth.

Tan shares her lived experience as a mother, weaving practical advice with heartfelt encouragement. She reminds us that being neuroaffirmative means focusing on strengths, listening deeply, and creating spaces where children feel safe to be themselves. It is about belonging—ensuring that every child knows they are valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are.

The discussion touches on real challenges families face: sensory sensitivities, food preferences, and navigating school systems that may not always understand. Tan’s message is clear—advocacy matters. Parents can be powerful allies, helping their children thrive by speaking up in classrooms, communities, and beyond.

At its heart, neuroaffirmative parenting is visionary. It reframes diversity as the spark for brighter futures, innovation, and compassion. By embracing difference, parents nurture resilience and joy, not only in their children but in society as a whole. Tan’s voice is warm and practical, reminding us that parenting is a journey of learning, patience, and playful optimism.