Supporting Neurodiverse Children Through Life’s Big Transitions

04/30/25 • 43 min

In this deeply insightful episode of the Parentline podcast, host Kerry McLean is joined by Tanya Strowger, a mother of three and counsellor at Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre, and Rebecca McCullough from Eden Consultancy NI. Together, they explore what it’s like to support neurodiverse children—particularly autistic children—through life’s big transitions, including school changes, holidays, family events, and everyday routines.

Tanya shares the powerful story of her son Silas, his early signs of autism, the diagnostic journey, and how their family has adapted to meet his needs at home, in school, and out in the world. From sensory challenges and visual schedules to social scripting and emotional regulation, her lived experience offers empathy and practical guidance.

Rebecca adds her expertise in neuro-affirming practice, offering thoughtful, real-world strategies to make transitions smoother, support emotional wellbeing, and embrace the child’s unique way of experiencing the world. Whether it’s navigating the school day, Christmas traditions, or going on holiday, this episode is packed with compassion, insight, and useful takeaways for any parent or professional.

In this episode, we explore:

Recognising early signs of neurodivergence and making sense of a diagnosis
Why small changes (like Sports Day or a different teacher) can be just as hard as big life events
Using visual aids, timers, and exit strategies to reduce anxiety
Preparing for transitions: from holidays and school changes to daily routines
Helping neurodiverse children manage emotions, especially during moments of overwhelm
Letting go of expectations and embracing what brings your child real happiness

Memorable Moments:

“Ditch all expectation and tune in to the happiness of the child.” – Tanya
“You don’t know until you know. And when you know, you can do things differently.” – Rebecca

Resources Mentioned:

Eden Consultancy NI – Training and consultancy for professionals and families supporting neurodivergent children
Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre – Mental health support for children, young people, and families in North Belfast
Parentline NI – Free, confidential support for parents and carers across Northern Ireland

Need Parenting Support?
📞 Call Parentline NI on 0808 8020 400
A free, confidential service offering a listening ear and practical guidance.

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In this episode, we explore:

Recognising early signs of neurodivergence and making sense of a diagnosis
Why small changes (like Sports Day or a different teacher) can be just as hard as big life events
Using visual aids, timers, and exit strategies to reduce anxiety
Preparing for transitions: from holidays and school changes to daily routines
Helping neurodiverse children manage emotions, especially during moments of overwhelm
Letting go of expectations and embracing what brings your child real happiness

Memorable Moments:

“Ditch all expectation and tune in to the happiness of the child.” – Tanya
“You don’t know until you know. And when you know, you can do things differently.” – Rebecca

Resources Mentioned:

Eden Consultancy NI – Training and consultancy for professionals and families supporting neurodivergent children
Jigsaw Community Counselling Centre – Mental health support for children, young people, and families in North Belfast
Parentline NI – Free, confidential support for parents and carers across Northern Ireland

Need Parenting Support?
📞 Call Parentline NI on 0808 8020 400
A free, confidential service offering a listening ear and practical guidance.

Previous Episode

Supporting Parents and Carers in NI: Kerry chats to the Parentline Team

In this special episode, Kerry chats to three of the Parentline NI team - Kathy, Roisin and Julie. This episode focuses on the core ethos of the Parentline service.
They discuss the importance of connection with callers, and the teams' aim to provide a listening ear, and non judgemental support to parents and carers.
Callers can use the service for any stage of parenting, from babies and toddlers, teenagers and even older children - we never stop being parents.
They discuss issues that come up from parents and carers - mental health, neurodiversity, separation anxiety, school avoidance and emotional dysregulation.
https://www.ci-ni.org.uk/parentline/
Parentline NI is a FREE confidential helpline for parents and carers throughout NI.
If you need us, we’re here. Call 0808 8020 400