Thriive is the support app for ADHD and autistic brains — and the whole household behind them. Track your patterns, find strategies that actually fit, and walk into every appointment with evidence. For yourself, or for your child.
Understand your own brain. Build evidence for assessments and workplace adjustments. Stop feeling like you're figuring it out alone.
Spot the patterns behind the hard days. Advocate with confidence at school and with doctors. Strategies matched to your child, not a textbook.
Feel seen. Understand how your own brain works. Build a profile that's yours.
Whether your child has a diagnosis, is awaiting assessment, or you just know something is different, talking to their teacher can feel daunting. Will they take you seriously? Will they label your child? Here's how to have a conversation that leads to genuine support.
You're not being a difficult parent. You're being the advocate your child needs.
Don't wait for a crisis. If your child is struggling, even if they're 'coping' at school, it's worth talking to the teacher. Many neurodivergent children mask at school and fall apart at home. The teacher needs to know what happens after 3pm. Request a meeting rather than trying to explain everything at pickup.
Focus on observable behaviours and impact, not diagnoses or labels (especially if you don't have one yet). 'He takes 2 hours to do 20 minutes of homework because he can't sustain focus.' 'She comes home and has a meltdown every day because she's been holding everything in.' 'He can't tolerate the noise in the dining hall.' Specific examples are powerful.
Reasonable adjustments that can be made NOW, without a diagnosis: Preferential seating (front of class, away from distractions). Movement breaks. A break card for when they're overwhelmed. Extra time for tasks. A quiet space for lunch. Visual instructions alongside verbal ones. Written homework instructions. Schools should be doing this under their duty of care.
Put your requests in writing. Ask for written responses. Request a meeting with the learning support coordinator. You have the right to request an assessment for a formal support plan. Contact a parent advocacy service for free, impartial advice. You are NOT being difficult. You're being an advocate.
