Using an attachment-informed parenting programme for supporting parents of neurodivergent children

In this article we describe the CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) implementation of an attachment-informed parenting programme used to support parents of neurodivergent children. Attachment security and neurodivergence are not mutually exclusive, and are, for clinically sound reasons, inter-related and bi-directional. Parenting challenges are likely to be heightened for families with neurodivergent children. Parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) and/or Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) provided very positive feedback on the benefits of an attachment-informed parenting programme. This intervention shows that modest adjustments to typical attachment-informed parenting programmes have an important role to play in the support and guidance offered to parents of children with neurodevelopmental differences and diagnoses.