Miscommunication Should Not Lead to Punishment Adults often perceive a cry for help from a neurodivergent kid as misbehavior. Whether it's a meltdown in the store, struggling to move onto another task, or shutting down when overwhelmed, neurodivergent kids are frequently labeled "disrespectful," "defiant," or "difficult." In reality, these behaviors are often a neurodivergent brain's way of asking for support. Neurodivergent kids aren't being difficult on purpose.
Co-regulation requires three skill sets: the ability to identify when your partner is emotionally dysregulated, the ability to tell your partner when you are dysregulated, and the ability to react to your partner in a way that is calming.