Guide to Celebrating Neurodivergent Dads

Readers, friends, Father’s Day is an important day to honor the men that have helped rear many contributing members of society. The hours helping with homework, the exchanges of wisdom to their sons or daughters, the discipline given in ways that only most fathers can, and much more. There’s no doubt that some of these great men are neurodivergent and deserve to have a father’s day that is tailored to them. This blog post will go over 3 great tips to make the father figure of your home feel as appreciated as possible.

Keep Your Father’s Sensory Needs Top of Mind

Many neurodivergent people have routines or sensory preferences that make them feel more comfortable. One way to honor the neurodivergent men in our lives is to tailor the celebration to these sensibilities. For example, if planning breakfast in bed, think about what foods are texture safe. Does your father enjoy soft foods? Do they cringe at the sound of something crunchy in their mouth? Taking the time to incorporate these aspects of their wiring into their celebration will go a long way to showing them the care you have for them. 

Here are some other ways families can show care to patriarch’s needs:

- Ask about neurodivergent friendly lighting

- Mind chewing or other potentially disturbing sounds when eating together

- Consider where meals are held

- Base a moment around their special interests

And these are only a handful. Communicate with your loved one to get a good idea of what their brains need.

Tailor Father’s Day Gifts Around Their Special Interests

Moments aren’t the only way to appeal to a neurodivergent care taker. Gifts are sometimes hard to find for Father’s Day. However, those hyperfixative tendencies make this a fairly easy department. Find what daddy dearest talks about the most and feed that part of his soul. This could be anything from a model train to something for their game console. Its all about fulfilling that part of their sword. However, as a neurodivergent person myself, I’d still enjoy the iconic Father’s Day tie and mug from my future kids.

Let Them Set the Pace of the Day

Finally, let the father set the pace of the celebration. Life can normally be overstimulating and overwhelming for neurodivergent men. By making sure accommodations are made and needs are met, it will keep their day relaxed and calm. Make sure they don’t feel pressured to socialize outside the family if they don’t want to, that their mood is kept elated, and that they’re in as much control as possible in a world where they may not have as much of it. Another way to help them keep the pace is to engage in their rituals with them. Neurodivergent people thrive off of ritualistic routine and meeting them on that level from morning to night will help them feel seen and heard.

Conclusion

Following these three pieces of advice will help create the best neurodivergent Father’s Day for the person that has helped almost every child.