Thriive — The App for Neurodivergent Families
Free to start. Thriive helps parents of neurodivergent kids (ADHD, autism, dyslexia & more) track what matters, spot patterns and advocate with confidence.
Features
- Visual Routine Builder — Create step-by-step visual routines for morning, bedtime, homework, and more
- Challenge Tracker — Log challenges in 30 seconds and spot patterns automatically
- Strategy Library — Evidence-based strategies tailored to your child's neurodivergent profile
- Daily Check-ins — Track mood, wins, and progress with quick daily reflections
- Shareable Reports — Generate reports for doctors, schools, and therapists
- The Hive — Community tips from parents who understand
Conditions We Support
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When NT and ND Siblings Clash
Your neurotypical and neurodivergent children are in constant conflict, and the NT child feels it's unfair while the ND child feels misunderstood
Steps
- Name the dynamic honestly with your NT child (age-appropriately): 'Your sibling's brain works differently, so sometimes they need different rules. That doesn't mean we love you less'
- Validate the NT child's frustration without dismissing it: 'I know it feels unfair. Your feelings about this are completely valid'
- Create protected 1:1 time with each child that CANNOT be cancelled. This signals that each child matters individually
- Watch for parentification: the NT child taking on a caring role they shouldn't have to carry. 'You don't have to manage your sibling. That's my job'
- Celebrate what each child brings. Avoid framing one as 'the easy one' and one as 'the hard one'. Both children hear those labels even when you think they don't
- Help the NT child understand without burdening them. Short, honest explanations work better than over-explaining or forcing empathy
What you need
Protected 1:1 time with each child, honest age-appropriate language, awareness of parentification risks
Why it works
When one child's needs dominate family attention, other children develop resentment, anxiety, or an unhealthy sense of responsibility. Naming the dynamic, validating the NT child's feelings, and protecting individual time ensures every child in the family feels seen and valued, not just the one whose needs are loudest.
Age guidance
Relevant from age 4 onwards. Younger NT siblings need simple explanations; older ones can handle more nuance and may benefit from sibling support groups.
Real-world example
A parent realised their 9-year-old daughter had stopped asking for anything because she didn't want to 'add to the stress.' She'd become invisible. Starting a weekly hot-chocolate-and-chat just for the two of them changed everything. The daughter started talking again, and the first thing she said was 'I didn't think you had time for me.'
Troubleshooting
- The NT child's frustration is not selfishness. It's a genuine emotional response to living in a family where someone else's needs dominate
- Don't force the NT child to always accommodate. They need their own boundaries respected too
- If the NT child is showing signs of anxiety, withdrawal, or excessive responsibility, they may need their own professional support
- Books like 'My Brother Is Different' or 'Can I Tell You About Autism?' can help NT siblings understand without the pressure of a family conversation
